From Jude Dangwam, Jos
The Muslim community in Plateau State has pay the annual traditional Sallah homage to the Executive Governor of Plateau State Barr. Caleb Mutfwang with a pledge to work for the peaceful coexistence and development of the State under his leadership.
The Sallah Homage led by the Emir of Wase, Alh. Mohammed Sambo II and Chairman, Jama’atu Nasir Islam (JNI), prayed God to restore peace in Bassa, Riyom, Barkin-Ladi and Mangu Local Government Areas, where there has been attacks in recent times leading to the loss of lives and property.
The visit had the 14th Emir of Kano, Alh. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi who was in Plateau for a condolence visit said it is time for both Muslims and Christians to work out a framework for peace and unity in not only Plateau State but Nigeria as a whole.
“The Nigeria in which we grew up was the one in which this ethnic and religious identity conflict were nonexistent. The best way for us to have inclusiveness is for us to think about everybody in terms of humanity.
“We have good and bad people; we have kind and wicked people; we have honest and dishonest people; and we need to identify and work with each other on the basis of shared values. The values of peace, the values of good neighborliness, the values of beliefs and each other personality and Jos used to be the centre of this in Nigeria,” he stated.
The Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State Mr. Gyang Bere in a statement on Monday said the Emir of Kanam, Alh. Mohammed Mu’azu Muhammadu II, was also present and expressed the readiness of the Muslim community in the state to support the new administration in its efforts to bequeath enduring legacies of development in the State while congratulating the Governor on his election and inauguration.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang reassured the Muslim community in the State of his administration’s willingness to provide a leadership that will embrace everybody irrespective of ethnicity, faith and place of residence.
The Governor said it is time for both Christians and Muslims in the State to find a common ground in order to foster peace and unity for the sake of development and progress of Plateau State.
He urged the Muslim Community to disregard all the misleading information being peddled around by enemies of progress that he will send out Muslims who are resident in the state.
Governor Mutfwang solicited the support of the Muslim community to his administration in its determination to build a new Plateau where Muslims would be able to embrace Christians in their communities while Christians can also protect and preserve Muslims in their communities.
He explained that throughout his life, he has maintained very cordial and mutual relationships with his friends who are both Muslims and Christians and urged people to channel their energy towards what will prosper the state and not divide it.
Governor Mutfwang appreciated the 14th Emir of Kano, Alh. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who was in the state for condolences but joined the Muslim Community for the Eid-El-Kabir visit, and described him as a great asset to Nigeria.