The Edo State Acting Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has called on Nigerian leaders to demonstrate the virtue of religious tolerance in the spirit of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Shaibu said this while receiving Muslim faithful who were at the Government House, Benin City, to commemorate the Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

He noted: “Edo State is one of the states in Nigeria where Muslims and Christians live peacefully and work together for the development of the state.

“If Nigeria emulates Edo, things will work well for the nation. It's only in Edo State that a Reverend Father was kidnapped and a Muslim went to the bush to rescue him and lost his life in the process.”

The acting governor called on political leaders and the entire citizenry to eschew bitterness and work together to engender sustainable development.

Shaibu said, “Politicians should avoid playing politics with religion as it will certainly divide us. Let us reject such politicians as they don't mean well for Nigeria.

“We don't have a choice but to save Nigeria from collapse. The general elections are coming in 2023. This is the time to pray for good leaders that will move the nation forward.

“We have been trying our best to make Edo State great. We are working hard to ensure we are safe in our state. We all should be security conscious.

He added, “I want to join the Chief Imam of Benin Central Mosque, Alhaji Fatai Enabulele, to pray for Nigeria as she needs prayers; it's only prayers that can change this country for good.”

The Chief Imam of Benin Central Mosque, Alhaji Fatai Enabulele, called on Nigerians to choose competent leaders as the nation prepares for 2023 general elections.

“Let us ensure we elect competent leaders that will lead us in 2023. Choose leaders that will not discriminate and implement evil policies. Let's look for leaders with the political will to stop the killing in our nation.”