Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents that the ongoing political crisis will not weaken them but instead make them stronger. He urged his supporters to remain steadfast, expressing confidence that they would emerge stronger despite the challenges.
Fubara made these remarks when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, who paid him a Sallah visit at his private residence in Port Harcourt.
During the visit, Fubara encouraged his supporters to trust in God’s plan. “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,” he said. He emphasized that everything happens for a reason and that their current struggles were leading them to a greater purpose.
The suspended governor acknowledged that the crisis had left many people disheartened, but he reassured them that divine forces might be at play. He reaffirmed his commitment to justice and equality, stating, “We believe in egalitarianism, and if our beliefs bring us pain, so be it. The most important thing is that we stand on the side of truth and righteousness.”
Fubara promised to strengthen the relationship between religious groups and the government once the political uncertainties were resolved. He also assured Muslim leaders that their pending requests would be addressed after the crisis ended.
Calling for patience and perseverance, Fubara referenced 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 warned his supporters against engaging in violence, stating, “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 our state remains a model for others in Nigeria.”
Muslim Leaders Declare Support for Fubara
Speaking on behalf of the Muslim Ummah, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor reaffirmed their solidarity with Fubara, offering prayers and support. He praised the governor for his inclusive approach to governance, contrasting it with the previous administration that declared Rivers State a 100% Christian state.
“Governor Fubara has recognized that while Rivers is a Christian-majority state, inclusiveness must be embraced,” Uhor said. He encouraged Fubara to remain steadfast, reminding him that patience is rewarded in Islam.
Uhor also called on President Bola Tinubu to review the emergency rule in Rivers State and restore Fubara’s full authority, arguing that the governor had been performing effectively despite the crisis.
During the visit, prayers were offered for Fubara, his family, Rivers State, and Nigeria.
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Civil Society Groups to Sue Rivers Administrator
Meanwhile, the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) and other civil society organizations (CSOs) have announced plans to sue the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), for what they describe as unlawful spending of state funds.
At a joint news briefing in Port Harcourt, the groups demanded that Ibas stop using state funds without an approved budget. Nathaniel Akporuvweku, Coordinator of TMG in Rivers State, stressed that the administrator had no legal right to spend public funds.
Akporuvweku said, “Since the declaration of a state of emergency, there has been widespread condemnation from civil society groups, institutions, and the Nigerian Bar Association. The appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas as the sole administrator of Rivers State raises further concerns. He must remain neutral and avoid actions that will worsen the crisis.”
The TMG warned that it would take legal action if Ibas continued spending state money unlawfully. “We will go to court to stop him from violating the constitution,” Akporuvweku added.
Activist Threatens Lawsuit Over Defamation
In another development, Gani Topba, an activist and leader of Conscience of the Ogoni People, has threatened legal action against former Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nweke, over allegations against Fubara.
Nweke had claimed in a press conference that Fubara ordered the bombing of the Rivers State House of Assembly in 2023. However, Topba dismissed the allegation as false and demanded a public apology within seven days.
Topba said, “I will sue him for defamation because I am certain that Governor Fubara has nothing to do with cultism. If he does not apologize within seven days, he will face legal consequences.”
He described Fubara as a peaceful man and challenged Nweke to an open debate on the issue.
Oil Communities Demand Fair Treatment
Meanwhile, host communities of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) from Rivers, Imo, and Abia states have praised Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) for securing the pipeline since being contracted by the Federal Government.
At a stakeholders’ meeting, Dr. Akpos Mezeh*, PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, commended the communities for their cooperation. “Pipeline surveillance relies on intelligence from the communities, and so far, their support has been invaluable,” Mezeh said.
However, Dr. Philip Obele, Paramount Ruler of Eleme Kingdom, urged the Federal Government to ensure fair treatment of host communities. He lamented that oil companies operating in the region often failed to provide jobs for local youths, leading to pipeline vandalism.
Obele stated, “Beyond surveillance jobs, these communities need permanent employment and better corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs. We deserve increased opportunities, social amenities, and skills to improve our lives.”
The President of the Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta, Kennedy West, noted that PINL’s surveillance had saved Nigeria billions of dollars. He urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) to outline its plans for host communities.
Similarly, King Samuel Nnee, Paramount Ruler of Tai Kingdom, stressed that Ogoni people should have more control over oil resources in their region. “Locals should manage the oil in their communities and pay benefits directly to the people,” he said.