Fubara Felicitates Muslim Faithful On Eid-el Fitri … Pledges Peaceful Co-existence In Rivers

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has extended  warm greetings  to all Muslim faithful in Rivers State and beyond on the occasion of the just concluded Eid-el Fitri celebrations.

In a goodwill message to commemorate the feast, the governor prayed that the occasion may bring joy, peace and harmony to all Nigerians  irrespective of creed, tribe or tongue.

“On behalf of the government and people of Rivers State, I wish all Muslim faithful a joyous Eid-el Fitri. May this occasion strengthen our bonds of peace, unity, and mutual respect among all faiths. Let’s continue to cherish our diversity and promote harmony, tolerance, and understanding. May our shared values of compassion, forgiveness, and unity guide us in our daily life.  Happy Eid-el Fitri,” the governor said.

The Tide reports that the Eid-el Fitri celebration marks the end of the month of Ramadan, a period dedicated to fasting,  prayers and almsgiving by the Muslim faithful.

The Federal Government  had earlier declared last Thursday, and Friday as public holidays to mark the celebration.

Meanwhile, the governor has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of  all citizens and residents,  including the Muslim community in the State.

Fubara made the pledge last Friday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, while receiving a delegation of the Muslim Ummah led by 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 in Rivers State were at the Government House to pay  Salah homage to the governor 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 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, the governor 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.

He recalled the long standing relationship  between the Rivers State Government and the  Muslim community, and acknowledged their 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 the governor 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, the 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.