A human rights group, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has commended the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pst Umo Eno (PhD) for his religious tolerance and inclusive governance.
A statement by the Oyo State Ambassador and Secretary of the organization, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, MURIC noted that while religious friendliness is heavily politicized, Pst Umo Eno has been quietly building religious tolerance and inclusiveness in state policy without pomp and fanfare.
In this year’s iftar dinner (Muslims breaking fast meal) he hosted the leadership of the State Muslim community in Government House Uyo, where he made a profound statement…” No communities develop on their own without the contributions of visitors and residents…”
The statement underscores the cordial relationship between the state government and Akwa Ibom Muslim community. This is highly commendable.
It was also noted that he has severally been breaking fast with the Muslim community in Eket during Ramadan before he became the State Governor and he had also promised that the Muslim community would be hosted to iftar in the government house if he became governor.
This year’s Ramadan is the third successive year he hosted the Muslim community to break fast in the Government House. This is promise kept. We hail this governor. He is leading by example.
As Akwa Ibom State has been the only state in Nigeria without a Muslim Pilgrim welfare board, Umo Eno recently took steps to ensure the anomaly is addressed.