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Governor Lalong leads Muslim faithful to the breaking of Ramadan fast
Protocols
- Tonight is another special opportunity for us to gather together in as citizens of Plateau State with peculiarities of diversity in faith, ethnicity, political persuasions and other differences. However, we are united by shared humanity and common destiny that unites us as brothers and sisters.
- This is a dinner to break the Ramadan fast with our Muslim brothers and sisters who have been observing their religious obligation of fasting and praying for themselves, the State and the Nation. I congratulate them for remaining faithful to this religious exercise since it started.
- This night we are gathered here in an inter-religious fashion to show solidarity with them and send a clear message that in Plateau State today, religion is not a barrier to peaceful coexistence and harmony. It is also not also a tool for division and violence.
- Even though we relate day in day in other places such as markets, hospitals, farms, transport facilities and others, there has unfortunately been some negative narratives that people are at war with one another because of religion. This is not true as religion which is a personal conviction should make us think about doing good to one another and not fighting one another.
- This is why this event is very unique and presents an opportunity for us to tell the whole world that we are one people who have diverse backgrounds and peculiarities. Rather than glorify the narratives of hate and anger, we can leverage on this kind of event to demonstrate that we respect one another despite our differences.
- I want to thank the Christian leaders led by the CAN Chairman Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo that have honoured this invitation to come and participate. I am aware that many of you have been engaging in things like this at your personal and denominational levels. This is the best way to go.
- A few weeks ago, I was honoured to join His Eminence the John, Cardinal Onaiyekan to attend a similar event at the Al-habibiyya Islamic Centre in Abuja where he annually goes to break the Ramadan fast with them and make donations. We need such examples in our country in order to de-escalate the toxic narratives that some few are circulating about religious intolerance to cause chaos.
- Since coming into office, we have maintained peace and security as our number one priority. This is because there is no progress and development without a peaceful atmosphere. With your help and cooperation of the citizens, the Plateau Peace Building Agency has done a lot to foster peaceful coexistence in the State.
- We have to continue to sustain this through dialogue, interface and understanding. This helps us to anticipate any challenge and resolve it before it becomes a religious conflict which is the easiest ploy that conflict merchants and mischief makers use to foment trouble. I commend the Inter-Religious Council which has already swung into action.
- We cannot allow anybody, no matter how highly placed to take us back to the dark days of suspicion, violence and outright instigation. With the level of peace we have attained, our duty is to ensure that we build on this to make Plateau the true Home of Peace and Tourism that it is.
- Already, we have started reaping the benefits of peace as more and more people are coming into Plateau State to invest and live. Local and International organisations are falling over one another to hold events in Plateau State which is a clear departure from the past. Hotels are almost always fully booked and even the shuttle flight from Abuja is always fully booked.
- Just this Monday, the Minister of Transport was here in Jos to Commission the North Central Coordinating Office of the Nigerian Shippers Council. Apart from this, a Maritime Resource Centre will also be established at over 15 billion naira. Could we have got this without peace?
- For this reason, we have to guard the peace we have jealously by stimulating daily interaction among the various faiths and ethnic groups in order not to give room for negative rhetoric to fertilise. We know that we still have challenges, but are working on them and by the grace of God, we shall surely overcome them.
- Let me use this opportunity to call on our religious leaders to lead by example and avoid using the pulpit for politics and preaching hate and division. Government will not stand by and allow anybody to incite people against one another because of religion or other differences. The law is there to moderate our conduct.
- I also want to appeal to all of us to intensify prayers for our State and the Nation. We are passing through a difficult situation with insecurity becoming very worrisome. Government and security agencies are doing their best but we have to encourage them and pray for them as we demand more action. Security as they say is everybody’s business.
- Finally, as our Muslim brethren get ready to wind down on the Ramadan fast, I urge you to continuously pray for Plateau State and Nigeria and also endeavour to live godly lives that depict the teachings of the Holy Prophet.
- I wish you all a happy Eid-el-fitr celebration in advance. God bless Plateau State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG
Executive Governor of Plateau State.
10th May 2021
