Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended governor of Rivers State, has promised the populace that the current political turmoil will eventually strengthen them rather than weaken them.
As part of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, he hosted Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic organisations, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his own home in Port Harcourt.
“This season represents love, sharing, and sacrifice,” Fubara said to the group, urging them and his followers to hold tight and have faith in God’s plan. Through your prayers, you have made tremendous sacrifices and have come to participate in our suffering.
“As Christians, we believe everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe this situation is guiding us toward a greater one.”
Fubara acknowledged that the situation could 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 calmed, their outstanding requests would 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 emphasise the need of patience and endurance.
He cautioned against individuals who use provocative behaviours to incite violence and urged Rivers residents and his supporters to oppose those who want to topple the government.
“Their goal is to create problems and deny people their livelihoods.
“We will not allow that. We will continue to operate peacefully and respect constituted authority to ensure Rivers remains a model for others in Nigeria.”
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 turmoil.
Uhor emphasised that because to Fubara’s dedication to inclusive administration, the majority of Muslims in Rivers State support him.
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He commended Fubara for recognising the state’s Christian majority while promoting religious inclusion, in contrast to the previous government, 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.
He also requested President Bola Tinubu to review Rivers State’s emergency rule and restore Fubara’s complete power, claiming that the governor has been able to manage successfully in spite of the political unrest.
