29th June, 2023
By Okafor Ofiebor/ Port Harcourt
Rivers governor, Siminalayi Fubara has charged Muslim clerics in the state to caution herdsmen against harassing residents of communities, killing farmers, and damaging crops in Rivers State.
Governor Fubara gave this charge when he received the leadership of the Muslim Community in Rivers who paid a visit in the spirit of the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha on at Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Fubara said his administration will be firm in protecting the lives and property of everyone in Rivers State.
He told the Muslim leaders that while the government has made it possible for them to celebrate in a peaceful atmosphere, they must not truncate the course of creating a better Rivers State for all residents.
The governor pointed out that his administration cannot be protecting their businesses while some errant members of their fold are destroying the businesses and livelihoods of others, warning that if such actions persist, the government will be compelled to wield the full force of the law against perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Governor Fubara said: “the Local Government areas are complaining, so I expect results in a couple of weeks by calling these people who practice open grazing to order in Ikwerre, Etche, Ahoada East, Ahoada West and parts of Emohua Local Government Areas. They shouldn’t be harassing the people and should stop killing them in their farms.”
Fubara assured that the Rivers government will keep its channel of communication with the Muslim community open because they are critical stakeholders in governance who should enjoy the benefit of the prevailing peace in the state to do their business and worship without molestation.
In his address, the leader of the delegation, and Vice President General of Rivers State Council of Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor, vowed that the Muslim community will not be involved in using religion to destabilize the State.
He also pledged support of the Muslim community for the policy and programmes of the government of Gov. Siminalayi Fubara.