…Says he won’t interfere in their worship

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has decried the poor state of primary schools in the state with over 75% without classroom teachers and 90% of them in a dilapidated state.

Governor Fubara made this known on Wednesday in Government House when he received the delegation of the Muslim Community in Rivers State on Eld-el-fitr visit led by the Vice President General of Rivers State Council of Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor.

The governor noted that his administration is committed to providing services to the people especially in the area of education, health delivery and agriculture.

He emphasised that his focus is informed by the need to build the foundation of development stressing that it is alarming to know that over 75% of primary schools in the state have no classroom teachers with 90% of the number dilapidated.

“It will surprise you to know that an agency called New Global came to Rivers State. They were willing to spend $5 million dollars not for infrastructure, but to train teachers, provide software and other things in order to improve learning. I told them to go round and assess the primary schools.”

“After the assessment, you won’t believe that 75% of our primary schools have no teachers and 90% of the schools are dilapidated. So, how would you now put in the $5 million dollars?”

The governor reiterated that his desire is not just to renovate the schools but build an enduring system that will impact generations

He said his administration has the interest of everyone at heart and assured that he will not stop people from worshipping their God, adding that his government will continue to give the Muslim Community the needed support as they live and do business in the state as legitimate citizens of the state.

Sir Fubara commended the Council of Islamic Affairs for swiftly tackling the menace of farmers/herders crisis that reared its head in the past within the state.

“Let me also thank this council for the great job they are doing for us in this State. I had a meeting with you some months ago on the issue of farmers-herders and immediately you worked on it.

“I can boldly say that, though, we still have some of the issues, it is not like some other states that you keep hearing the dispute. You were able to bring the situation to a level where we could sleep with our eyes close in the state.”

Governor Fubara further said his desire is also to ensure a functional primary healthcare system in the state with plans to reactivate the five zonal hospitals in order to give support to the primary healthcare facilities that are being revived.

He appreciated the Muslim Community for their solidarity and support, and promised to improve on the slot of their members for hajj in the coming year.

“I am happy this afternoon, realizing that this journey that we thought we were standing alone, we’ve the whole country behind us, because you represent all the segments of the country.

“We assure you that we will not disappoint you. We will continue to stand by what is just. We will not allow any man or woman to toil with the most important thing to a man, and that is his dignity. We will continue to fight with legitimate means that are required to defend the cause of our dear state, so we ask for your support and prayers.

Speaking earlier, the Vice President General of Rivers State Council of Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor commended the governor for his magnanimity in reintroducing hajj in Rivers State after several years

He said part of the Eld-el-fitr visit is to declare their solidarity with the governor assuring him of their support at all times

While appreciating the governor on his developmental strides, he appealed for the reactivation of some moribund industries owned by the state to provide employment.