In commemoration of the Ramadan Iftar with the Muslims, governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has instituted a N200 million interest-free loan and appointed Alhaji Ibrahim Iliya as his special assistant on Arewa Matters.
At the special meeting with leaders of the Muslim community in the state, where he broke the fast with them at the Government House, Uyo, the state capital, the governor named Emmanuel Ogbole as the senior special assistant (SSA) on non-indigene matters.
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He promised that his administration would extend the same hand of fellowship to the Yoruba, Igbo and other Niger Delta ethnic nationalities in the state.
Details on the conditions and procedures for accessing the loan facility, the governor explained, would be worked out with the relevant agencies.
The delegation was led by the leadership of the Akwa Ibom Council of Islamic Affairs (AKCIA) comprising, the chairman, League of Imams (LI), Imam Abubakar Sadiq, Alhaji Hassan Sadauki (Sarakin Hausawa, Uyo); Alhaji Maruf Olobode Sani, Imam Ibrahim Okesina and Imam Bello Dahiru.
The governor thanked the Muslims and the entire Hausa/Fulani for their support during last year’s election, and for maintaining the harmonious relationship that had existed in the state over the years.
He said, “Last year, when we had this same meeting in Eket and I said that, if by the grace of God and with your support, we win the elections, that this year’s Iftar will be held in the Government House, we thank God that He answered our prayers.
“Let me use this opportunity to thank the Arewa community for your support during the elections. It was a massive support. And so, if someone did something profoundly significant for you, it’s always good to reach back and say ‘thank you’, which is what we are doing today.
“We hope to go round all the groups; the Yoruba community, the Igbo, and the Niger Delta to tell them thank you. It was a tough election, but you stood your ground and supported us.”
Earlier, the chairman of the League of Imams, Akwa Ibom State, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, thanked the governor for the love and cordial relationship that have existed with the Muslim community in the state.
He said, “We are a people from diverse origins across Nigeria, all living here peacefully and securely in Akwa Ibom State under your leadership.”