Arewa community in Rivers denounces allegation of marginalisation

The Arewa Community in Rivers State has faulted allegations of marginalisation of the Northern Community by Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration.

The leader of the Arewa Community in the state, Jinjiri Bala Mato, confirmed that non-indigenes, including the Northern Community, have received exceptional goodwill and hospitality from Fubara’s administration compared to any previous administration.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) Chairman for Rivers State and Southern Nigeria, Musa Saidu, had alleged that Northerners in Rivers State were being marginalised under Fubara’s administration.

In response to the statement, the leader of the Arewa Community described the allegation as sponsored and made in bad faith to tarnish the governor’s image. He emphasised that Saidu has no authority to speak on behalf of the Northern Community.

Mato said, “We, the Arewa Community, have never enjoyed goodwill from the government like we are enjoying it with this administration. Since Governor Fubara assumed office, we have never had it this way before.”

“This is the first time the Northern Community has been so close to the government since former Governor Peter Odili’s administration. We have never seen a governor who has shown so much love and kindness to the Northern Community. It is in the public domain how this administration showered us with kind gestures during the festive period. Fubara recognized us so well; his hospitality is next to none.”

While dismissing the allegation, Mato urged Saidu not to politicise issues and instigate hate for personal gain.

He said, “Fubara is a very peaceful man; if he were not, this state would have been boiling by now. We all need to be careful and promote peace. Don’t instigate crises for selfish benefits.”

The Northern Community also disassociated itself from the statement credited to Saidu regarding the appointment of Dr. Samuel Anya as the non-indigene commissioner in Rivers State.

Saidu, in a statement on Thursday, expressed dissatisfaction with the appointment of the Abia-born politician to the Rivers executive council, alleging that Governor Fubara’s appointment marginalised the Northerners.

But Mato commended the appointment of Anya, saying they are comfortable with him, adding that he (Anya) is the deputy coordinator of non-indigenes in the state.

“The Arewa Community is not gloating over appointments or contracts; we are for peaceful coexistence and mutual accommodation,” he added.

Also speaking, Head of Islamic Schools in Rivers State, Haliru Imam, faulted Saidu’s claims.

Haliru Imam stated that the Arewa Community in Rivers State has never been marginalised by the government and has also benefited from the governor’s leadership magnanimity.

The Islamic cleric noted that Saidu’s position does not reflect the stance of the Arewa Community, which seeks continued good governance, which they are currently enjoying.

While urging the public to disregard the statement, he said that the Arewa Community in Rivers State is delighted by the support Governor Siminalayi Fubara has extended to them through their son and leader, Jinjiri Bala Mato, who has brought them closer to the government compared to the previous administration.

Additionally, the Zonal Executive Secretary of the Arewa Community, Alh Abubakar Sadiq Walu, disagreed with Saidu’s assertion about the appointment given to the leadership of the non-indigenous community.

He affirmed that they are happy and okay, adding that their primary objective is to promote peace and unity.