By Destiny Temisan Jemiriayegbe
The Edo Muslim community has held special prayers across Edo South, Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts to mark the second anniversary of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration, with prayers for divine guidance, protection and continued success of the government.
The prayers, held at various central mosques across the three senatorial districts, attracted government officials, Muslim leaders, clerics and members of the Muslim community.
In Edo South, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq, led government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Yakubu Musa, JP, to the Igun Central Mosque, Benin City, where the Chief Imam of Benin, Mallam Abdulfatah Enabulele, led the prayers.
Speaking after the prayers, Ikhilor highlighted the achievements of the Okpebholo administration, noting that the government was making concerted efforts to address the developmental challenges inherited from previous administrations.
He cautioned against the spread of fake news and misleading information on social media, urging residents to assess the government’s performance based on verifiable developments on the ground.
“Sometimes, people who spread falsehood and fake news are always online, shouting updates and spreading false information. Ordinary people may have no way of verifying such information, and some end up believing it. But those who are on ground know exactly what the government is doing and the efforts the Governor is making to correct all the damage done in the past eight years,” he said.
The SSG explained that the road challenges being highlighted by critics were not created within one year, stressing that many of the affected roads had deteriorated over several years before the present administration assumed office.
He said the government was committed to fixing the inherited challenges despite criticisms over the pace of project execution.
Ikhilor also attributed the large turnout at the Presidential Campaign rally at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium to the growing confidence of ordinary Edo people in the administration.
According to him, the Governor’s humble disposition and connection with the grassroots have distinguished his leadership.
Describing Okpebholo as a leader who prioritises religious tolerance and inclusiveness, the SSG said the Governor had demonstrated commitment to supporting Christians, Muslims and people of different ethnic backgrounds.
He particularly commended the Governor’s personal discipline and commitment to God, saying these qualities influenced his decision to support his administration politically.
“As a Muslim, I have never done politics before. This is the first time I decided to do politics with someone because of the kind of man he is. From the first day I knew him, he demonstrated the qualities of a good Muslim. He is disciplined, does not involve himself in alcoholism, smoking or womanising, and is passionate about God,” he said.
The SSG further noted that the administration had promoted ethnic inclusion in government appointments, with people from different ethnic backgrounds, including Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba communities, represented in various positions.
He expressed appreciation to the Muslim community for its support and prayers, particularly in the government’s efforts to tackle insecurity, cultism and kidnapping.
Ikhilor said the relative improvement in security across the state could not be achieved without the support and prayers of well-meaning residents, urging Muslims to sustain their support for the administration.
He called on the community to continue supporting the government to enable it to complete its ongoing projects and consolidate its achievements.
The Chief of Staff, Hon. Yakubu Musa, also addressed the congregation, aligning with the SSG’s remarks on the administration’s achievements and the need for continued support and prayers.
Similarly, the Deputy Director of the Presidential Campaign Council in Edo State and former Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Gani Audu, commended the Muslim community for its support and encouraged continued cooperation with the government.
Other government appointees in the entourage included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Disability Matters, Comrade Yunusa Abdul-Salam Adepoju, and the Special Adviser on Public Affairs and Media, Hon. Haruna Braimah, among others.
In Edo Central, special prayers were held at the Irrua Central Mosque, while in Edo North, the prayers took place at the Arafat Mosque, Auchi, and Uzairue Central Mosque, Jattu.
At the Arafat Mosque in Auchi, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Religious Matters, Hon. Ahmed Musa Momoh, led government appointees to the prayers.
At the Uzairue Central Mosque, Jattu, the Coordinator of the Edo State Musaabaqah, Barrister Hamza Umar, led government appointees to participate in the special prayers.
The prayer sessions across the three senatorial districts formed part of activities marking Governor Okpebholo’s second anniversary in office, offering the Muslim community an opportunity to pray for the Governor, his administration and the continued peace and development of Edo State.
This was contained in a statement signed by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State.