Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has assured that the ongoing political crisis in the State will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them.
Fubara spoke when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his private residence in Port Harcourt during an Eid-el-Fitri Sallah visit.
Addressing the delegation, Fubara urged them and his supporters to trust in God’s process.
He said: “This season is one of love, sharing, and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made a great sacrifice through your prayers. As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us toward a greater purpose.”
Fubara in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, acknowledged that the current political tension might leave many feeling depressed but said that supernatural forces may be at play beyond human understanding.
“No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that, in the end, we will emerge stronger,” he added.
Fubara reaffirmed their commitment to justice and equality, stressing that his administration envisioned a society where no one should be oppressed.
“We believe in egalitarianism, and if our beliefs bring us some pain, so be it. The most important thing is that we stand on the side of truth and righteousness,” he said.
He regretted that he was unable to formally reach out to the Muslim Ummah during their celebrations but promised that the relationship between religious groups and the government would be strengthened once the current uncertainties were resolved.
He also assured the leaders that their pending requests would be addressed after the crisis.
Urging patience and perseverance, Fubara drew an analogy from religious history, saying, “If God could be patient with Noah to allow even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains an essential virtue in our struggle.”
He also cautioned against falling prey to those who wanted to engineer violence by fanning provocative acts, warning his supporters and Rivers people to avoid certain elements, who sought to destabilize the state.
“Their goal is to create problems and deny people their means of livelihood. We will not allow that. We will continue to operate peacefully and respect constituted authority to ensure that our state remains a model for others in Nigeria,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Muslim Ummah, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor declared solidarity with Fubara, assuring him of their prayers and support as he navigated the state’s current political challenges.
Encouraging the Governor to remain steadfast, Uhor reminded him of the Islamic belief that Allah rewards patience.
He said the present challenges aligned with the teachings of Islam, where the Creator tests His people through wealth, power, and authority.
He further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the emergency rule in Rivers State and restore Fubara’s full authority, emphasizing that the governor had been performing effectively despite the crisis.
During the visit, prayers were offered for Governor Fubara, his family, Rivers State, and Nigeria as a whole.
