Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended governor of Rivers, says the state will emerge stronger from the ongoing political crisis.
Fubara spoke on Monday when Muslim leaders visited him at his private residence in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital.
Fubara said the current political crisis in the state might leave many people feeling depressed, adding that supernatural forces may be at play.
He urged his supporters to remain patient and not be provoked by those fanning the emblem of violence in the state.
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Fubara said the goal of those who seek violence in the state is to “create problems and deny people their means of livelihood”.
“This season is one of love, sharing, and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made a great sacrifice through your prayers,” he said.
“As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us toward a greater purpose.
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“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.
“If God could be patient with Noah to allow even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains an essential virtue in our struggle.
“Their goal is to create problems and deny people their means of livelihood. We will not allow that. We will continue to operate peacefully, and respect constituted authority to ensure that our state remains a model for others in Nigeria.”
On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the political crisis in the state.
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He also suspended Fubara as governor of the state; Ngozi Odu, the deputy governor; and all members of the Rivers assembly for an initial period of six months.
The president appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.
