BAYELSA GOVERNOR SUES FOR PEACE IN RIVERS AS FUBARA VISITS DIRI 05-01-23
By Sadiq Aminu Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State wants his Rivers State counterpart, Siminalayi Fubara, to work for peace in order for his vision to develop the state to be actualised.
Governor Diri stated this when Governor Fubara led a high-powered delegation from Rivers State on a visit to him at his country home at Sampou in Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area.
It was Fubara’s first official visit to the state since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.
Governor Diri said the importance of peace cannot be over-emphasised as no development can take place where there is crisis.
He stated that Rivers and Bayelsa States have a long-standing brotherly relationship and whatever affects one affects the other.
Governor Diri who expressed concern over the political crisis in Rivers, cautioned against giving ethnic coloration to the crisis, insisting that the Ikwerre of Rivers and the Ijaw of both Rivers and Bayelsa were one and cannot afford to fight each other as it would amount to a senseless battle between brothers.
The Bayelsa Governor equally urged his Rivers counterpart to be tolerant and patient while focusing on delivering development to people of his state.
While expressing willingness to forge closer ties with the Rivers governor in the interest of both states, Governor Diri welcomed Fubara’s olive branch to find an amicable solution to the legal tussles between both states.
Earlier, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State said his visit was to foster unity and seek areas of collaboration between both states.
He stated that the two states had a lot in common and cannot afford to work at cross purposes.
Governor Fubara noted that the recent crisis in Rivers was unfortunate and said the issues were being resolved as his administration was focused on developing the state.
While thanking the people of Bayelsa for their solidarity, he said he would forge a closer relationship with Governor Diri, which will enable both states make progress.
He restated the willingness of Rivers to dialogue and resolve all the legal issues involving both states, insisting that as brothers an amicable solution could be found to the challenges threatening to divide them.