Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended governor of Rivers State, has promised the populace that the current political turmoil will ultimately strengthen them rather than weaken them.
As part of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, he hosted Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic organizations, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, in his own home in Port Harcourt.
“This season represents love, sharing, and sacrifice,” Fubara said to the delegation, urging them and his followers to hold fast and have faith in God’s plan. Through your prayers, you have made tremendous sacrifices and have come to share in our suffering.
“Everything happens for a reason, and as Christians, I firmly believe that this circumstance is leading us to a bigger one.”
Fubara acknowledged that the situation would be depressing, but he also implied that higher powers might be guiding it.
Nelson Chukwudi, his chief press secretary, said in a statement that Fubara reiterated his dedication to equity and justice while highlighting his goal of an oppression-free society.
He gave the Muslims his word that once the political situation stabilizes, their outstanding requests will be fulfilled.
“If God could be patient with Noah, allowing even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains essential in our struggle,” he said, drawing a biblical analogy to emphasize the importance of patience and perseverance.
He warned against those inciting violence through provocative acts, urging his supporters and Rivers people to reject elements seeking to destabilize the state.
“Their goal is to create problems and deny people their livelihoods.
“We will not allow that. We shall keep up our nonviolent operations and deference to legitimate authorities in order to guarantee that Rivers continues to serve as a role model for other Nigerian communities.
Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor, speaking on behalf of the Muslim Ummah, reassured Governor Siminalayi Fubara of their prayers and solidarity in the face of the continuing political crisis.
Uhor emphasized that because to Fubara’s dedication to inclusive administration, the majority of Muslims in Rivers State support him.
He commended Fubara for recognizing the state’s Christian majority while promoting religious inclusion, in contrast to the previous administration, which proclaimed Rivers a state that was exclusively Christian.
He urged the governor to maintain his resolve, pointing out that difficulties such as these are in line with Islamic principles, which hold that believers are put to the test by material prosperity, authority, and power.
Additionally, he encouraged President Bola Tinubu to review Rivers State’s emergency rule and restore Fubara’s complete authority, claiming that the governor has maintained his ability to manage successfully in spite of the political unrest.