Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment to protecting and ensuring peaceful co-existence among the people and residents of the state.
He said his administration will not waiver in safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens and residents, including the Muslim community in the state.
The governor stated this while receiving a delegation of the Muslim Ummah led by Alhaji Nasir Uhor, Vice President General of the Rivers State Council for Islamic Affairs at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday
The delegation, comprising Islamic clerics and leaders of the Arewa Community in Rivers State, were at the Government House to pay homage to Governor Fubara as part of the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
The governor emphasised that every resident, irrespective of state of origin or religious affiliation, is regarded as an indigene of Rivers State, by virtue of their presence and contributions to the socio-economic development of the state.
“You’re here doing business, automatically you live here. You’re a Rivers indigene, even if you’re not an indigene by birth.
“And because you’ve been living here and you have your children here, you have your houses here, we have every reason to promise you that, as a government, your lives and property will be protected. We’ll do our best to make Rivers State safe for everyone,” he said.
Fubara hailed the dedication and steadfastness of the Muslim community in the observance of their fasting during the month of Ramadan, describing it as a “wonderful journey” heralding a sacred period in the Islamic faith.
Addressing security concerns, particularly the farmers-herders tensions recorded in other parts of the country, je noted that Rivers State has maintained relative stability through strategic engagement and behind-the-scenes coordination with security agencies.
He, however, urged the Islamic leaders to strengthen their internal communication mechanisms to ensure peaceful conduct among their members.
“On your own part, you also need to set up your own internal mechanism to talk to your people so that they can also conduct themselves well in the communities where they live or do their business.
“You’re related to them; you’re close to them, you’re their leader; talk to them so that everyone of us will work at the same pace for the peace of our state,” he said.
Fubara recalled the long-standing relationship between the Rivers State Government and the Muslim Community and acknowledged its support and prayers for him during his transition into office and after.
The governor assured the delegation that earlier requests presented to the government were under review and will be addressed, in line with the state’s capacity.
In his remarks, Alhaji Uhor expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara for granting audience to the delegation and for his commitment to religious inclusivity.
Uhor presented key requests to the government which included the construction of an ultra-modern central mosque in Port Harcourt; return of the Muslim section of the Port Harcourt Cemetery to the Council to ease burial challenges, and the allocation of land for the building of a mosque at the Rivers State University.
