Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has called on the Muslim community in Rivers State to use the Eid-el-Maulud celebration to promote religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Governor Wike stated this in a statement issued by his Special Assistant (Media), Kelvin Ebiri on Monday.

According to the Governor, his administration will continue to promote religious tolerance amongst all residents of the state during this time of Eid-El-Maulud and in future.

The Rivers state Governor charged the Muslim faithful’s to grasp the virtues of love, peace, patience, communal living and honesty in their daily lives, which are qualities of Prophet Mohammed.

While wishing the Moslem community a wonderful celebration of the birth of Prophet Mohammed, Wike advised them to always pray for the government and people of the state. Recent conflicts between Christians and Muslims in the north continue to divide and widen the gap between Christians and Muslims in regions such as Plateau state and Wike’s Government has been working tirelessly to ensure that peace between both religions continues to elevate the state.

The Muslim population makes up 50% of the total population on Nigerians according to livepopulation.com 

There is no current data for the population of Muslims in Rivers State but they have been contributing to the economy of the state, boosting its already rich economy that is predominantly based on the natural crude oil.