Gov. Fubara Highlights Strategy To Resolving Herders-farmers Crisis, Calls For Peaceful Co-existence

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says that his administration adopted a discreet, behind-the-scenes strategy to manage and contain herders–farmers conflicts in the state.

The Governor who disclosed this on Friday at Government House, Port Harcourt, when he received a delegation of Muslim faithful led by the Vice-President General of the Rivers State Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Nasir Uhor, as part of activities marking the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, called for sustained peaceful coexistence among residents.

Gov. Fubara emphasised the need for collaboration between the government and community leaders to maintain peace, particularly in addressing tensions between herders and farmers. He noted that Rivers State’s situation differs from that of other parts of the country due to proactive engagement and conflict-management mechanisms put in place by his administration.

According to him, continuous consultations with security agencies and key stakeholders have helped to limit casualties and prevent escalation of the crisis.

He stressed that the government remains committed to protecting the lives and property of all residents, irrespective of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.

The Governor urged Muslim leaders and other stakeholders to establish internal frameworks to sensitise their members on lawful conduct and peaceful living, noting that anyone residing and doing business in the state should be regarded as part of the Rivers community.

Governor Fubara also assured the delegation that his administration would consider their requests within available resources, reaffirming his commitment to sustaining a cordial relationship with the Muslim community in the state.

In his remarks, Alhaji Nasir Uhor commended the Governor for promoting religious inclusivity and supporting Muslim activities, including Umrah pilgrimage. He appealed for government assistance in building an ultra-modern central mosque in Port Harcourt, the return of the Muslim section of the Port Harcourt cemetery to the council, and the provision of land for a mosque at the state university, in line with a Supreme Court ruling affirming the rights of Muslim students.