Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and property of all residents, with a renewed assurance to the Muslim community of safety and inclusion.
Fubara gave the assurance on Friday at Government House, Port Harcourt, while receiving a delegation of the Muslim Ummah led by the Vice President General of the Rivers State Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Nasir Uhor.
The delegation, comprising Islamic clerics and leaders of the Arewa community, paid a Salah homage to the governor as part of Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
The governor stressed that all residents, regardless of origin or religious affiliation, are regarded as indigenes of the state by virtue of their contributions to its socio-economic development.
He said: “If you live and do your business here, you are part of Rivers State. Even if not by birth, your presence, your families and investments here give us every reason to guarantee your safety. As a government, we will continue to do our best to ensure that Rivers remains safe for all.”
Fubara commended the Muslim faithful for their devotion during Ramadan, describing the fasting period as a spiritually significant journey in the Islamic faith.
On security, the governor noted that Rivers State has sustained relative peace despite tensions recorded in other parts of the country, particularly farmers-herders clashes. He attributed this to proactive engagement and coordination with security agencies, while urging Muslim leaders to strengthen internal communication among their members to promote peaceful conduct.
“As leaders, you are closer to your people. Continue to guide them so that together we can sustain the peace and stability we currently enjoy in our state,” he said.
The governor also acknowledged the longstanding relationship between the state government and the Muslim community, appreciating their support and prayers before and after his assumption of office. He assured that requests previously presented by the group were under consideration and would be addressed in line with available resources.
Earlier, Uhor thanked the governor for his openness and commitment to religious harmony. He used the occasion to present key demands, including the construction of a central mosque in Port Harcourt, the return of the Muslim section of the Port Harcourt Cemetery to the council, and the allocation of land for a mosque at the Rivers State University.
The meeting underscored ongoing efforts by the state government to promote inclusivity and peaceful coexistence among diverse religious and ethnic groups in Rivers State.
