By Gabriel Enogholase
BENIN—EDO State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has admonished religious leaders in the country to pray for the emergence of credible leaders in 2011.

Hosting Muslim Ummahs who paid him Sallah homage in Government House, Benin yesterday, the governor said that despite the tensions generated by the political class, prayers by the Islamic clerics have contributed to the sustenance of peace in the country and sued for its continuity.

The governor insisted that the Islamic leaders owe it a duty to the nation to pray ceaselessly for those who occupy positions of authority for God’s guidance and purposeful direction.

He assured them that his administration will continue to support Muslims as they contribute to national development even as he added that religious leaders must find a common voice to call on the leaders to show genuine commitments to the development of the country saying that they have a duty to pray for a peaceful civilian to civilian transition in 2011.

The leader of the Muslim Ummahs and Chief Imam of the Benin Central Mosque, Mallam Abdul Fatai Enabulele told the governor that their visit was to express solidarity with him on his purposeful leadership.

He explained that the El_ Kabir festival was meant to inculcate the spirit of total commitment to the wishes of Allah and show love to fellow men.

The Chief Imam recalled how Ibrahim maintained his absolute obedience to Allah when he attempted to sacrifice his only son and enjoined Muslims to emulate such outstanding qualities to attract Allah’s benevolence.

He added that the celebration of the festival offers Nigerians another opportunity to re_examine themselves and show greater commitment to the growth of the country and commended Governor Oshiomhole for his urban renewal drive, road constructions among other developmental strides.