Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has charged Muslim clerics in the state, to caution herdsmen against harassing residents of communities, allegedly killing farmers, and damaging crops in the state.
Governor Fubara gave this charge when the leadership of the Muslim community in the state, paid him a visit in the spirit of Eid al-Adha on Thursday, at Government House in Port Harcourt.
The Governor noted that it is his duty as the chief security officer of the state to protect their businesses, but stated that he cannot, if some of the “errant members of their fold are destroying the businesses and livelihoods of others.”
Fubara stated that the purpose of his administration is to protect the lives and properties of everyone.
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 on their farms.”
In a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, Boniface Onyedi, Fubara assured of keeping the channel of communication between the state government and the Muslim community open because they are critical stakeholders in governance who should enjoy the benefit of the prevailing peace to do their business and worship without molestation.
The leader of the delegation, and Vice President General of the Rivers State Council of Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor, assured that the Muslim community would not be involved in using religion to destabilize the State.
Alhaji Uhor pledged support for the policies and programmes of the government of Governor Fubara.
