Suspended Rivers Governor Fubara Assures Crisis Will Strengthen State
Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reassured residents that the ongoing political crisis will ultimately make them stronger rather than weaken them.
Fubara made this statement while hosting Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his private residence in Port Harcourt as part of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
Addressing the delegation, he urged them and his supporters to remain steadfast and trust in God’s plan, saying:
“This season represents love, sharing, and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made great sacrifices through your prayers. As Christians, we believe everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe this situation is guiding us toward a greater one.”
Acknowledging the difficulties caused by the crisis, he suggested that a higher purpose might be at play.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to justice and equality, emphasizing his vision for a society free from oppression. He also assured the Muslim community that their pending requests would be addressed once the political situation stabilizes.
Drawing a biblical analogy, he urged patience, saying:
“If God could be patient with Noah, allowing even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains essential in our struggle.”
He also warned against inciting violence, urging his supporters to reject individuals seeking to destabilize the state:
“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.”
Muslim Leaders Reaffirm Support for Fubara
Representing the Muslim Ummah, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor expressed unwavering support for Governor Fubara, assuring him of their prayers and solidarity during the crisis.
Uhor noted that most Muslims in Rivers State back Fubara due to his commitment to inclusive governance, contrasting it with the previous administration, which declared Rivers a 100% Christian state. He commended Fubara for acknowledging the state’s Christian majority while fostering religious inclusivity.
Encouraging the governor to stay resolute, Uhor emphasized that challenges like these align with Islamic teachings, where believers are tested through wealth, power, and authority.
He further called on President Bola Tinubu to reassess the emergency rule in Rivers State and reinstate Fubara’s full authority, arguing that the governor has continued to lead effectively despite the political turmoil.