Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens, including the Muslim community, and to promoting peaceful coexistence across the state.
The governor made the pledge on Friday at Government House, Port Harcourt, when he received 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, which included Islamic clerics and leaders of the Arewa Community in Rivers State, visited the governor to pay Salah homage as part of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Onwuka Nzeshi.
Fubara emphasised that every resident, regardless of state of origin or religious affiliation, is considered a Rivers indigene by virtue of their presence and contributions to the state’s socio-economic development.
“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.
He also commended the Muslim community for their dedication and steadfastness during the month of Ramadan, describing the observance as a “wonderful journey” that heralds a sacred period in the Islamic faith.
Addressing security concerns, particularly the farmers-herders tensions affecting other parts of the country, Fubara noted that Rivers State has maintained relative stability through strategic engagement and behind-the-scenes coordination with security agencies.
He, however, urged Islamic leaders to strengthen internal communication within their communities 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 every one of us will work at the same pace for the peace of our state,” he said.
The governor also acknowledged the long-standing relationship between the Rivers State Government and the Muslim community, appreciating their support and prayers during his transition into office and beyond.
He assured the delegation that earlier requests presented to the government were under review and would be addressed within the state’s capacity.
Also, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, on Friday joined the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu-Abubakar III, and other Muslim faithful to observe the Eid-el-Fitr prayers, marking the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.
The two-Raka’at prayer was led by the Deputy Chief Imam of Bubayero Central Mosque, Gombe, Ustaz Aliyu Hammari.
Following the prayers, Yahaya hosted a select reception at the Government House for dignitaries, including the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mr Matthew Verghis, and the Tunisian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Moshen Antit.
Speaking through his Deputy, Dr Manassah Jatau, the governor urged Muslims to sustain the virtues imbibed during Ramadan, particularly the spirit of sacrifice, compassion, and generosity towards the less privileged.
He emphasised that adherence to these values would help alleviate societal challenges, foster moral discipline, and promote collective progress.
Yahaya also expressed sympathy with the government and people of Borno State over the recent bomb explosion that claimed lives, stressing that the thoughts and prayers of the government and people of Gombe State are with all communities affected by insecurity across the country.
He commended the World Bank Country Director and the Tunisian Ambassador for participating in the Eid celebrations, reiterating that Gombe State remains a beacon of peace, unity, and hospitality.
Earlier, Verghis expressed appreciation to Yahaya for his steadfast commitment to improving development indices across critical sectors.
“I am a brother and a great friend of Gombe and Nigeria. Let us continue to work together to advance our shared projects, be they cultural, economic or social,” he said.
He added, “Thank you very much, Your Excellency, for the warm invitation and hospitality. I wish you all a happy Sallah, and I look forward to returning, perhaps next year, to join in the celebrations.”
Similarly, the Tunisian Ambassador, Mr Moshen Antit, described his visit to Gombe during the Eid celebrations as a great honour and privilege, commending the developmental strides of the Inuwa Yahaya administration.
“I will speak on the importance of unity, a timeless concept that has long guided relationships among people and nations. This spirit of unity already exists between our country and your state, and indeed between our two countries,” he said.
In keeping with the rich cultural heritage of the Gombe Emirate, Yahaya led the visiting dignitaries and other guests to the Emir’s Palace to witness the traditional mini Sallah durbar, popularly known as Jafi.
Speaking after the durbar, the Emir of Gombe urged Muslims to internalise the teachings of Ramadan, which emphasise peace, love, and tolerance. He restated the Emirate’s commitment to supporting the Governor’s efforts in sustaining peace, security, and development across the state.
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