Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents that the ongoing political crisis in the state will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them.

Governor Fubara made this statement when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his private residence in Port Harcourt, during an Eid-el-Fitri Sallah visit on Monday.

Addressing the delegation, Governor Fubara urged them and his supporters to trust in God’s process.

He said: “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. As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us toward a greater purpose.”

He acknowledged that the current political tension might leave many feeling depressed, but emphasized that supernatural forces may be at play beyond human understanding.

“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.”

Governor Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to justice and equality, stressing that his administration envisions a society where no one is oppressed.

“We believe in egalitarianism, and if our beliefs bring us some pain, so be it. The most important thing is that we stand on the side of truth and righteousness,” he stated.

He regretted that he was unable to formally reach out to the Muslim Ummah during their celebrations but promised that the relationship between religious groups and the government would be strengthened once the current uncertainties are resolved.

He also assured the leaders that their pending requests would be addressed after the crisis subsides.

Fubara, while urging patience and perseverance, Governor Fubara drew an analogy from religious history, saying, “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.”

He also cautioned against falling prey to those who want engineer violence by fanning provocative acts, warning his supporters and Rivers people to avoid certain elements who sought to destabilize the state.

“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,” he concluded.

Speaking earlier on behalf of the Muslim Ummah, Nasir Awhelebe Uhor declared their solidarity with Governor Fubara, assuring him of their prayers and support as he navigates the state’s current political challenges.

Uhor stated that the majority of Muslims in Rivers State stand with Governor Fubara due to his inclusive approach to governance and his recognition of the Islamic faith.

He noted that, unlike the previous administration that declared Rivers a 100 percent Christian state, Governor Fubara, upon assuming office, acknowledged the state as Christian-majority while allowing room for inclusiveness.

Encouraging the Governor to remain steadfast, Uhor reminded him of the Islamic belief that Allah rewards patience.

He said the present challenges align with the teachings of Islam, where the Creator tests His people through wealth, power, and authority.

He further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the emergency rule in Rivers State and restore Governor Fubara’s full authority, emphasizing that the Governor has been performing effectively despite the crisis.

During the visit, prayers were offered for Governor Fubara, his family, Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.

The National Chairman of Labour Party, Mr Julius Abure has said the party will use the governorship election in Anambra State, which comes up in November this year, to test their expected victory in the 2027 presidential election.

Abure stated this in Awka, Anambra State capital on Sunday, during a forum organized by an organ of the party, Directorate of Mobilization and Integration, DMI, for aspirants of the party to meet with their delegates, ahead of the primary election which comes up on Saturday.

Abure who was represented by the national women leader of the party, Mrs Dudu Manuga said: “We want to use Anambra to test what 2027 will be. Labour party has grown beyond a briefcase party, we are in all the states of Nigeria and Abuja and we are getting ready not just for Anambra but for 2027.

“After the primary election this Saturday, no one is permitted to be angry. We will all join hands to emerge in the main election in November. Let us not be weak, let us not biker, let us all stand strong, be united and nothing will be impossible for us to achieve.

“This forum is to bring the aspirants together and make them integrate with the people they want to govern. We will plant LP in every polling unit. What is happening today in Anambra is crucial for our victory in 2027.”

Aspirants of the party; Dr George Moghalu and Mr John Nwosu attended the forum and also spoke to members of the party on their manifesto.

Moghalu in his speech insisted that the major problem of Anambra was that the people have lost confidence in government.

“People no longer trust government, security has collapsed, thugs are used to enforce taxes. If the government is doing the right thing, people will pay tax without being chased about, tax can also be collected electronically.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reaffirms its Bi-Modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) are not scams.

INEC’s Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Dr Lawrence Bayode, made this clarification during a conversation organised by the commission on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday in Abuja.

In his presentation, titled “BVAS and IREV: Facts and Myths,” Bayode said both BVAS and IREV were technological innovations aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s electoral process.

He emphasised that INEC had taken bold steps and made concerted efforts to improve the credibility, transparency, and accuracy of elections through technology.

Bayode described BVAS and IREV as key components of Nigeria’s election process, noting that various misconceptions had created doubts about their functions.

“There is a belief that BVAS and IREV are scams.

“This misconception arises from misunderstandings, technical issues, and general distrust in the electoral process. However, this belief is incorrect,” he said.

“BVAS verifies voters using fingerprint and facial recognition, ensuring that only accredited voters cast their ballots.

“IREV is an online portal that allows the public to view scanned polling unit results for transparency. It does not count votes or collate results.”

He dismissed the notion that technical failures, such as slow uploads, server downtimes, or network issues, equated to fraud.

“These challenges do not mean the system was designed to deceive voters. Rather, they highlight areas that need improvement in election management,” he explained.

Bayode further debunked the myth that BVAS transmitted election results, stressing that its primary role was voter accreditation and authentication.

“BVAS does not directly transmit election results. Instead, results are recorded on Form EC8A, which is then uploaded to IREV,” he stated.

“BVAS is used at polling units for voter accreditation. IREV is an online platform where scanned polling unit results are uploaded for public viewing.”

“BVAS significantly reduces voter impersonation and over-voting, other electoral malpractices, such as violence and vote-buying, can still occur,” he noted.

He also dispelled the myth that voting could not continue if BVAS failed, explaining that INEC provided backup devices, and in rare cases, elections in affected polling units might be rescheduled.

Bayode highlighted BVAS’ role in reducing electoral fraud, stating that voter impersonation and multiple voting had been significantly curbed since its introduction.

“IREV has also enhanced transparency by allowing citizens to verify polling unit results in real time.

“Before IREV, election results were not easily accessible to the public. Now, discrepancies can be identified, which proves the system enhances transparency rather than being a scam,” he said.

INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity (VEP), Victoria Eta-Messi, added that the commission was collaborating with the National Assembly and stakeholders to amend the Electoral Act, particularly on election results management.

She also reiterated INEC’s commitment to voter education to build public trust, reduce voter apathy, and promote credible elections.

(NAN)