Since his assumption of office, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has continued to bring every segment of the society in Rivers State together.
One of his first lines of actions after May 29, 2023 was his receiving in courtesy the Christian Association of Nigeria on June 8, 2023, Dr. W.F. Kumuyi on June 27, 2023, and subsequently the Muslim Community in Rivers State led by the Vice President General of Rivers State Council of Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor on June 29, 2023.
Fortunately, the visit of the Muslims coincided with their eld al adha celebrations. In his usual mien of supporting groups and individuals, Governor Siminalayi Fubara provided the Muslims with 8,000 bags of rice as palliatives backed with some financial assistance to celebrate the season.
Apart from such support and incentives to survive the economic hardship in the country, Governor Siminalayi Fubara approved a certain number of slots for members of the Muslim Community in the State to embark on hajj. Indeed, he became the first governor in Nigeria to pay the fares of the number of slots allocated to the State.
Again, when the hajj fare got hiked as a result of exchange rate escalation, Governor Siminalayi Fubara came to the rescue of the community and became the first governor to pay off the difference and provide subsidy to those going for hajj from the state.
This was the concern that arose in the middle of the 2024 Hajj which created operational uncertainties, and eventually one governor that did not fail to declare his stand on the matter is the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fabura. When the minimum Hajj fare deposit was earlier announced, he paid up for his state’s Muslim intending pilgrims.
When information filtered in through the media about NAHCON’s first deadline of 31st December 2023 the State’s Sole Administrator (S.A) of Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Abdurrazaq Diepriye said in order to ensure the seats allocated to the state are preserved and utilized effectively by pilgrims, the governor’s office took a bold step to meet the December deadline by securing the allocation.
According to him, in a decisive move, Gov. Fabura authorized payment of the Hajj fare for all seats allocated to the state in order not to lose them. This move has long been seen as a way to provide an opportunity for the Muslim populace to participate in this sacred pilgrimage, promote religious inclusivity and equal representation. Mr Diepriye revealed that this marks the first time in six years that such a comprehensive gesture has been made, signaling a notable milestone in the style of governance of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Today, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is most elated to celebrate with the Muslim Community at this 2024 Eid-el-Fitr
Signed
Boniface Onyedi
SSA, Media to the Governor of Rivers State
