The Niger Governor-elect, Alhaji Umar Bago, has called on Nigerians to shun religious sentiments and religious bias toward peaceful co-existence among the people and rapid development of the country.
Bago made the call on Sunday in Minna during the inauguration service held in his honor at the St. Michael Catholic Cathedral Church in Minna.
He said that our political leaders had been using religion to deceive the people to achieve their selfish political goal.
“Unfortunately our leaders have failed in the past and have condescended to religious issues in Nigeria to achieve their selfish interests,” he said.
He expressed concerned over the exploitation of religion by politicians and called for a departure from such practices for the progress and advancement of the country.
The governor-elect enjoined the people of the country to set aside religious sentiments, as hardships and insecurity do not discriminate based on religion.
“It is high time we came out of this trap and leave religious sentiments because hardships and insecurity don’t care about religion,” he said.
Bago promised that his administration would not discriminate against any faith and would refrain from using religion to hinder policy implementation.
He emphasized commitment to fair treatment for all religious groups within the state.
Also, Most Rev Bulus Yohanna, the state Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) reminded Bago of his responsibility to govern with justice and fairness, emphasizing that he represents all religious groups and others in the state.
Yohanna encouraged the governor-elect to seize the opportunity to leave a positive legacy as a governor who performed during his tenure.
“I see your emergence as a rejuvenation of hope for the people and our dear state.
“I believe your emergence is as ordained by God, because, He alone gives power to whoever he predestinates.
“You are a governor to all, and I urge you to make citizens of Niger proud after your first four years and seize this opportunity to write your name in gold,” he said.
Earlier, the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Minna, Most Rev. Martins Uzoukwu, charged politicians to be united to move the country forward.
Uzoukwu who was represented by the Auxiliary Bishop, Most Rev. Sylvester Gupep during the homily, described the governor- elect as a game changer.
