Otu Backs Religious harmony, Promises Continued Support for Muslims

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and inclusiveness.

He however, assured the Muslim community of continued government support.

Governor Otu, who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government,. Anthony Owan-Enoh, stated this when a delegation of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) who were in the State on a sensitization programme on the 2027 Hajj operation paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

He said Cross River had a long-standing culture of tolerance and acceptance, stressing that people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds had continued to live and do their businesses freely in the State

He said Governor Otu had consistently supported the Muslim community whenever the need arose, providing resources and opportunities for engagement, while assuring that the administration would sustain the gesture.

He stressed that religious harmony must be promoted across the country, noting that Christians live peacefully in several northern States and Muslims should equally be able to live peacefully in Cross River.

Otu also assured the delegation that the State government would comply with the new Hajj procurement requirements and work towards meeting the September 26, 2026 deadline, while requesting the commission to forward the guidelines officially in writing.

Earlier, Commissioner for Policy, Personnel, Management and Finance (PPMF)  National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Prince Aliu Abdulrazaq commended Governor Otu for promoting religious harmony and supporting Muslim pilgrims from the State to perform the annual Hajj.

He noted that the delegation’s nationwide sensitization tour covered the various zones of the country adding that Cross River was prioritised because of its cordial relationship with the Muslim community.

The Zonal Coordinator, South-South/South-East, NAHCON, Alhaji Amin Ukoha, also praised Governor Olu for supporting Muslim pilgrims, noting that such assistance was uncommon among Governors in the South-South region.

The NAHCON official explained that the sensitization was aimed at getting the state acquitted with the new hajj rules for the 2027 pilgrimage.

He further announced September 26, 2026, as the deadline for intending pilgrims to pay their Hajj fares and complete data capture on the Lusuk Masar platform, warning that those who failed to meet the deadline might not be eligible for the 2027 pilgrimage.

On their part the Commissioners representing South-South and South-East Hajia Zanab Musa and hajia Aisha Obi, lauds the openness freedom and participatory disposition of Governor

 Bassey Otu in accommodating and supporting the welfare of the Muslim community in the state and pray for God’s protection and good health to lead the state well.