Wike Harps On Religious Tolerance

Rivers State Governor,
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike  has declared that Nigeria is a multi-religious and pluralistic  society  which guarantees  religious  liberties  and the freedom  of  every citizen to practise  the religion  of his or her choice.
Governor  Wike  said  that  though people  belong to different  religions,  all religions afford people  the opportunity  to  seek salvation.
Speaking  at the African  Regional Seminar of Eckankar in Port Harcourt  recently,  Governor Wike who was represented  by  the  Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Chief Kenneth Kobani  urged adherents  of different  religions to promote  peace and harmony  for the stability  of  the  world.
He said: “While  we may belong to different  religious  persuasions, all religions give a person  the same chance of salvation.  As human  beings,  we are children  of the Omnipotent  God, who never discriminates.
“The role of  religion in shaping human civilizations is well known. As sources of belief, religion has not only been the foundation of universal human values, it has for centuries helped to concretise the common bonds that tie humanity  together “.
He said  a lot of  work  needs to  be  done to defeat the  forces of hatred,  division and religious  extremism.
Governor  Wike  said, “As the  Governor of Rivers State,  I want  to  assure that we will continue to advance  the constitutional  rights and  freedoms  of all and ensure  that people  of faiths are welcome, protected and respected in Rivers State “.
In his address, the Regional Eck Spiritual Adviser  for Nigeria, Mr Ifeatu John Areh predicted religious  harmony in the  country  in view of recent  developments.
Guest Speaker  at the  Seminar, Ann Archer Butcher of the  United  States  of  America emphasized  the  place  of  gratitude  in the  lives of  the people.