Abia State Governor Alex Otti has said that his administration is neutrally structured to accommodate all religious faiths in the state, stressing that no religion is discriminated against.
Governor Otti made this known on Friday when members of the Judaism Fellowship Initiative, led by the President of the Commonwealth Jewish Council, London, Mr Clive Obe, visited him in his office.
Addressing their concerns about elections being held on Saturdays in Nigeria, Governor Otti explained that changing the nation’s election timetable is complex, as different religions observe different days of worship.
He said elections are held once every four years, adding that Sabbath observers could vote after service, pending a national decision on the matter.
Governor Otti noted that his administration keeps religion out of governance to avoid conflicts often triggered by religious or ethnic divides, pointing out that he became aware of the Jewish community’s presence in Abia following their engagement.
The Governor assured members of the Judaism Fellowship Initiative of equal support from his administration and clarified that the state government does not fund religious activities, except pilgrimages.
On their request for land, Otti said the process is open to all groups through formal application and payment of statutory fees.
Earlier, the President of the Commonwealth Jewish Council, London, Mr Clive Obe, described Governor Otti as a bridge builder and expressed confidence in his commitment to promoting understanding among faith communities.
Mr Obe noted that the Jewish Fellowship Initiative, JFI, the umbrella body for Jewish communities in the country, had also expressed concern over elections being held on Saturdays, which makes participation difficult for Jews who observe the Sabbath.
He appealed to the government for a plot of land in Abia for a Jewish Centre, financial support similar to that extended to Christian and Muslim pilgrims, and the appointment of a government officer to liaise with the Jewish community.
