From: LAYI OLANREWAJU,Ilorin
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence and harmonious relationship in the country, irrespective of ethnicity or religion.
The Governor gave the charge while receiving the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. (Dr) Samson Supo Ayokunle, during a courtesy call in Government House, Ilorin.
He said it was high time to stop politicising serious national issues that divide the country along ethnic and religious lines, but rather allow our diversity to unite and strengthen us as a nation.
The Governor said the nation cannot progress and develop in an atmosphere of friction and rancor especially when peace is not allowed to reign adding that people should stop politicising very critical issues that affect the life of the people.
According to him, “We should agree on common platform of equity and justice. On the strength of that, every other thing fit into it. Where you don’t allow equity and justice to play it critical role of given the common man a sense of belonging in a system then you can’t expect to get the right thing done rightly”.
The Governor also stressed the need for adequate land management process in the country saying, it constitute one of the biggest challenges confronting the country especially between communities, herdsmen and farmers.
Earlier, the CAN President described the governor as an Apostle of peace in the state and urged all and sundry to imbibe the principle of fairness, justice and mutual respect for peaceful coexistence.
Similarly, the pastor-in-charge of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Ilorin, Pastor Solomon Olawuyi James who said they were in Government House to inform the governor about the 50th anniversary of the church praised Governor Ahmed for sustaining peace and tranquility in the State.