By Ime Silas
The Founder and Spiritual Leader of Christ Deliverance Ministries, Lagos; Prophet Ekong Ituen has described religious tolerance of Niger State Governor, His Excellency, Mohammed Umar Bago as exemplary, calling on all Nigerians to emulate him.
The fierce prophet who stated this in a commendation letter to the governor said he was moved, touched and inspired by the governor’s act of not only authorizing a Christian crusade to be held in his state, but also joining in worshipping God, even as a devoted Muslim.
“Your Excellency, I consider it a privilege to write to Nigerians about you in relation to your recent video that went viral. The video relates to an event of Christian gathering you visited and sang Christian worship songs with the worshippers”, Prophet Ituen noted.
The Man of God who further reasoned that the Niger governor’s disposition was sine qua non for a peaceful coexistence in the country, also prayed for Gov Bago’s successful political career.
“You are a devoted Muslim, but you authorized the stagging of a massive crusade in Minna, the state capital and graced the event.
This particular instance of you singing a worship song in a gathering of Christians has seduced me into a serious romance of your leadership virtue and inter-religious exemplification. I am moved, touched, and inspired by your act of dialogic approach towards promoting religious understanding and mutual respect.
“You might not exactly know the impact you have made by carrying the microphone as a Muslim and a governor of a state in Northern Nigeria to sing worship songs and exalt the name of God. You have carried out an act that suggests and promotes religious tolerance, dialogue, and exemplary life of grassroots leadership. This, for me, shows a deep sense of commitment to peaceful coexistence and a life of service to everyone in your state.
“I pray that this singular act of yours will build your political career in such a manner that your leadership style becomes a model and a reminder towards understanding the role of religion.
I wish you all the best as you create more avenues for inter-religious dialogue.
I am encouraged by your extraordinary gesture of religious tolerance. I hereby call on Nigerians to eschew religious intolerance and emulate Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger state to foster peaceful coexistence”.
