KEY POINTS

• Suspended Rivers Governor Fubara predicts the state will emerge strengthened from its political crisis during a solidarity visit by Muslim leaders.
• Islamic groups praise Fubara’s inclusive governance while urging President Tinubu to restore constitutional order in the oil-rich state.
• The governor frames the turmoil as a divine test, vowing to maintain peace and egalitarian principles despite ongoing legal and political challenges.

Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has assured citizens that the current political turmoil will ultimately strengthen the state rather than break it.

The embattled governor made these remarks during an Eid-El-Fitr visit by Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic groups at his private residence in Port Harcourt on Monday.

“This season is one of love, sharing, and sacrifice,” Fubara told the delegation, which included representatives from the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. “You have come to share in our pain and have made a great sacrifice through your prayers. As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us toward a greater purpose.”

The governor acknowledged the distress caused by the crisis but urged resilience, stating: “No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that in the end, we will emerge stronger.” His comments come amid an ongoing power struggle with federal authorities following his controversial suspension last month.

Muslim leaders declare solidarity for Fubara

In a significant show of cross-faith support, the Muslim delegation pledged their backing for Fubara’s leadership. Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor, speaking for the group, contrasted Fubara’s inclusive approach with the previous administration’s Christian-centric policies: “Unlike the past government that declared Rivers a 100% Christian state, Governor Fubara acknowledges our faith while maintaining the Christian majority character.”

The leaders offered special prayers for the governor, his family, and the state while calling on President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the emergency measures in Rivers. “We urge the President to review the suspension and restore full constitutional governance,” Uhor added, praising Fubara’s performance despite the political headwinds.

Fubara seized the moment to outline his governance philosophy: “We believe in egalitarianism, and if our beliefs bring us some pain, so be it. The most important thing is that we stand on the side of truth and righteousness.” He drew parallels to biblical patience, referencing Noah’s perseverance in building the ark, and warned against provocateurs seeking to destabilise the state through violence.

According to Channelstv, the meeting carries symbolic weight as Fubara navigates his suspension, with the PDP governors’ forum already challenging the action at the Supreme Court. Political analysts see the Muslim leaders’ visit as strategic, bolstering Fubara’s image as a unifying figure amid the crisis.

The governor promised to address pending requests from the Muslim community once stability returns, including long-standing appeals for improved worship facilities and educational support. Meanwhile, his caution against “elements seeking to engineer violence” appears aimed at both political opponents and federal actors, reinforcing his commitment to peaceful resolution.

With Rivers contributing nearly 40% of Nigeria’s oil output, the crisis has economic ramifications beyond politics. Fubara’s assurance that the state “will remain a model” suggests ongoing governance efforts despite his suspended status, though questions linger about the administration’s functional capacity during the impasse.