Boko Haram Not Fighting For Religion, Says Amaechi

Governor of Rivers State and Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi yesterday said that those who killed and maimed innocent people and destroy property during the holy month of Ramadan, are not Muslims and urged true adherents of Islam to unite and fight terrorism.

He made the call yesterday in his address to the Muslim community in Port Harcourt as part of activities to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitri.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, urged Muslims in the country to use the occasion to unite against terrorists and other extremists, who hide under Islam to perpetrate violence, thereby bringing the religion to disrepute.

"It amazes me that people commit evil even in the holy month. The month of Ramadan is a sacred month. It is a month of fasting and sacrifice, totally committed to honouring Allah. If indeed the things they say they are doing are for Allah, in that holy month they would have respected Allah. The fact that they did it and desecrated the holy month clearly shows that they are not fighting for the religion", he said.

Gov. Amaechi thanked members of the Muslim community in the state for their support and promised to pursue policies that will engender peaceful co-existence in the state.