Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State and the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Kombowei Benson, weekend, charged the Islamic community in the state, to join in the campaign against religious extremism.
Dickson charged the Muslim faithful, including the clerics, to prevail on those aspiring for leadership positions to preserve the diversity of the country for the overall development of Nigeria through the upholding of the tenets of Islam.
Benson, on his part, urged Muslim faithful to support the promotion of religious education in schools as a way of inculcating religious tolerance among the youths, noting that religious intolerance, fundamentalism and extremism, were products of lack of good religious upbringing.
The duo spoke separately in their Eid- el-Fitr messages to Muslim faithful in the state.
Dickson said: “The political leaders should show the people how to show respect and tolerance for ethnic and religious diversity. I condemn fundamentalism in the practice of one’s religion and no religion preaches terrorism and violence. No religion encourages terrorism but as a people with a common heritage we must strive to live in peace and harmony. And for us to live amicably together we must show tolerance and respect for each other.”
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