Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo of Bayelsa has urged religious leaders to preach harmony and shun extremism.

Mr Ewhrudjakpo spoke in Yenagoa when the Association of South-South Muslim Ummah of Nigeria visited him.

The deputy governor identified religious intolerance as a major cause of the insecurity and conflict in some parts of the country.

”The situation has led to the destruction of lives and property. It has also affected development. This is not good. We have to live as one. We need to avoid religious fanatism and extremism. We should have respect for life. We are one people,” he said.

Mr Ewhrudjakpo said it was worrisome that Nigeria was rated low globally regarding religious tolerance. He added that it was the duty of religious leaders to preach peace, tolerance and unity among Nigerians.

He said Governor Douye Diri’s administration would continue providing an enabling environment for religious tolerance to thrive. The deputy governor added that the Bayelsa government would not discriminate between religious groups for any reason.

The leader of the delegation, Nasir Uhor, commended the government for its commitment to fostering harmony among religious groups.

He urged the state government to create a separate pilgrims board for the Muslim Ummah in Bayelsa. According to him, such a move would enthrone efficiency in managing pilgrimage activities in the state.

(NAN)