Eid-el-Fitr: Gov. Diri fetes Bayelsa Muslim community

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa, on Wednesday, in the spirit of the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, hosted members of the Muslim community in the state at the Government House, Yenagoa.

Diri, who was joined at the lunch feast by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, member representing Yenagoa Constituency I, Mrs. Ayibanegiyefa Egba, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe, his deputy, Mr. Irorodamie, Komonibo and other government functionaries, congratulated the Muslim faithful on the successful conclusion of the Ramadan fast.

Diri while assuring them of his administration’s commitment to promoting peaceful co-existence and religious harmony in the state, commended the Muslims for supporting his re-election and for being law-abiding.

He also said that his government would initiate inter-faith dialogue in its bid to promote religious harmony in the state as well as  provide the right atmosphere for legitimate businesses to thrive.

The governor said: “It is actually a thing of joy to gather to have lunch after the period you put in for spiritual purification in the last one month.

“I thank the Muslim community for their support during last November governorship election.

”It is an indication that you are part of the government and we will continue to create the right atmosphere for peaceful co-existence and for your businesses to thrive, so far they are legitimate.”

Diri promised to redeem his pledge of providing a bus for the community as well as appointing their members into government.

Earlier, chairman of the state chapter of the National Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Yakubu Otobo, noted that the significance of the Ramadan was basically to appreciate God for sustaining them during the fast.

Otobo thanked the governor for his administration’s support to the Muslim community in the state and pledged their continued cooperation with the government.