Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara has expressed his administration’s willingness to work with his Bayelsa state counterpart, Senator Douye Diri to achieve a peaceful settlement of issues concerning property jointly owned by both states that are pending in the courts.
Fubara expressed his strong desire for mutual cooperation when he paid a New Year’s visit to Diri at his country home in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, the Rivers governor’s media aide, Boniface Onyedi said in a statement.
The Rivers governor said he visited with some prominent leaders of the state to underscore the importance of the unification meeting that should open a new chapter between the two states in renewing their brotherhood and never allow administrative boundary issues to create animosity between them anymore.
“The purpose of my presence today is not a mere visit, but a reunification meeting. Our visit is to let our brother know that we want to work together for a common purpose and the development of both states.
“We have a lot of things in Rivers State that are jointly owned by both states. I know we have not had this kind of meeting before, but we desire that from this particular moment, whatever the issues are, let us look for a way to settle them amicably so that we can forge ahead.
“I have always said that we cannot attain development in the face of crisis. We can not help one another in a situation of anarchy. Peace is the major ingredient for development,” Fubara said.
Fubara commended Diri and the people of Bayelsa state for their show of solidarity with his administration amidst the political crisis that erupted in Rivers State.
He told his Bayelsa counterpart that if he accepted the brotherly handshake extended to him, then he would not sneeze in isolation because they would be stronger together as they forge ahead as one people.
The River governor acknowledged the fatherly role played by President Bola Tinubu in mediating the Rivers political crisis.
He reiterated his commitment to continue to support Tinubu’s administration, noting that if there was no peace in Rivers State, the national economy would surely suffer.
Reacting, Diri thanked his Rivers counterpart for the visit and his initiative towards a mutually beneficial working arrangement with Bayelsa.
Diri recalled the ongoing legal issues at the Nigerian Supreme Court over the disputed Soku oil wells and the Bayelsa House that was demolished in Rivers State while pledging willingness to ensure that they work together as brothers.
Earlier, Fubara had also visited the residence of Senator Azuta Mbata, to felicitate with him on his birthday and wished him more glorious years in good health.