Gov Eno Charges Muslim Faithful On Peaceful Coexistence

By Bassey Nkponam
UYO
As Muslim faithful in the State observes their Iftar (breaking of fast), associated with the Ramadan, the Akwa Ibom governor, has charged them on continued peaceful coexistence with other residents of the State.
Pastor Umo Eno, who gave the charge on Wednesday, when he hosted the Muslim community to an Iftar (breaking of fast) at the Governor’s Lodge, Uyo, noted that the State is unique for its hospitality, and has peacefully coexisted peacefully with all its non-indigenes, stressing the need for maintenance of such spirit by them and other non-indigenes in the State. 
Eno appreciated the Muslim community for giving government the opportunity to share in the breaking of the fast which, he recalled, has become almost a tradition for him to identify with them during the Ramadan. 
He noted that his relationship with the Muslim community predated the present government, and that he has always had the passion for relating with people from various backgrounds not minding their religion, tribe, culture, political or social persuasions.
Eno thanked them especially for the peace they have promoted in the State, and their sense of responsibility for always stepping in to work with government in resolving misunderstandings between the herdsmen and Akwa Ibom farmers. 
According to him, there was need for an understanding of the fact that nobody’s businesses should affect another to enable happy and harmonious coexistence.
“We thank you so much for allowing us the privilege to share the moment and the blessings with you because every fasting is a period of blessing not just for you that are fasting, but also for the land, the State, the Nation, and this year’s period tallies with the Christian Lent where so much prayers have been offered to God for our overall well-being.
   “I grew up in the barracks, a background of not minding or knowing where you are from. Honestly, most of my friends and my business associates are Muslims, notably from the North. I am always after the quality service that you can offer me, not after where you come from. So, we thank you for standing by us and supporting us even during the 2023 Governorship elections,” the governor said and directed the leadership of the Muslim community to submit seven names of their members including two indigenes to represent them in the State’s Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, billed for constitution.
The chairman, League of Imams in Akwa Ibom State, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, who led the team, was impressed by the governor’s disposition in joining them to break the Ramadan fast, describing the gesture as a demonstration of sincerity, friendliness and concern over their welfare and spiritual affinity.
Sadiq prayed Allah’s blessings upon the governor and his administration. 
In the entourage were Islamic leaders including the chairman, Board of Trustees, State Council of Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Hassan Sadauki, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Non-Indigene Affairs, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbole, and Special Assistant on Arewa Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Iliya.