Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has urged Christian leaders to promote unity and peace in the state and within the body of Christ generally.
Senator Diri gave the counsel on Monday at a one-day Prayer Summit/Dinner for Izon Ministers in the state.
The summit, which was the first of its kind, had in attendance over 1,300 leaders from different Christian denominations.
Governor Diri charged them to imbibe and promote the spirit of brotherliness across Ijaw land for the common good of all.
He also admonished the indigenous ministers to work in peace and unity to enhance stability and sustainable development not only in Bayelsa but also the entire Ijaw nation.
“When I was National Organizing Secretary of the Ijaw National Congress, one thing I noticed whenever I travelled was that the Ijaw people lived in close settlements and, so, they were close-knit families across Ijaw land. But we are fast losing all of that.
“Unity is exemplified by the ants. When they come together, they become more productive. Let this continue to live in our hearts now that you have come together as one body.”
The governor also spoke on the importance of forgiveness, which he noted was one of the cardinal teachings of Jesus Christ.
According to Diri, the summit ought to mark the turning point for all Ijaws to take their pride of place in religion, politics and other spheres of life by exhibiting character worthy of emulation.