Date: 2017-01-31

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed (Sai Maigida) of Kwara State has called on Nigerians to desist from attaching religious and ethnic colourations to criminalities in Nigeria, pointing out that such sentiment portends a great danger to the unity of the country.

Governor Ahmed made the call while receiving the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Samson Ayokunle at the Government House, Ilorin.

According to the governor, no religion preaches violence as a way of political or economic agitation, but constructive and peaceful engagements towards resolving perceived or real marginalisation.

Dr Ahmed who advised Nigerians to stop politicising serious national issues and dividing the country along religion line, explained to the clerics that political appointments in the state are based primarily on political and geographical considerations.

The governor urged politicians seeking appointments to do so through political structure rather than employ religious and ethnic sentiments which create tension in the polity. Governor Ahmed promised that his administration will continue to be guided by principles of transparency, equity, fairness and justice.

Identifying land matter as another platform for inter-ethnic crises, the governor promised to computerise Land management process in the state to avoid unnecessary community clashes and needless loss of lives and property.

Speaking earlier, the CAN President, Reverend Samson Ayokunle had praised the state governor for his commitment in building sustainable peace in the state, explaining that peaceful co-existence is critical to the development of any nation.

He advised government at all levels to imbibe the principle of equity, Justice and fairness in order to give everyone the sense of belonging.

The CAN President who is also the President of Nigeria Baptist convention told the governor that the church had fifteen thousand churches across the country with about eight million members.

Earlier, the pastor in charge of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Sabo-Oke, Ilorin, Pastor Solomon Olawuyi James said they were in Government House to inform the governor about the 50th anniversary of the Church.

He told the governor that the church had since five decades ago committed to preparing men for eternity with Christ and touching lives for global impact.

Pastor Olawuyi added that the church had also involved in a number of social programmes with a view to complementing the efforts of the government in meeting its obligations to the people.