According to Daily Post, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed his commitment to collaborate with Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, in resolving peacefully the issues surrounding jointly owned properties currently entangled in legal disputes. Governor Fubara conveyed his willingness for mutual cooperation during a New Year’s visit to Governor Diri at his residence in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Accompanied by key leaders from Rivers State, Governor Fubara highlighted the significance of their meeting, aiming to initiate a new era of understanding and cooperation between the two states.
Governor Fubara, accompanied by prominent leaders from Rivers State, emphasized the importance of the unification meeting in addressing and settling any lingering administrative boundary disputes between Rivers and Bayelsa. The visit underscores the desire to establish a harmonious relationship and facilitate the resolution of jointly owned property issues currently facing legal challenges. In a statement released by the Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Rivers Governor, Boniface Onyedi, Governor Fubara emphasized the collaborative effort to bring an end to any existing administrative boundary concerns between the two neighboring states.
In his words: “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.”
Governor Siminalayi Fubara extended appreciation to Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, and the people of Bayelsa for their solidarity amid the political challenges faced by Rivers State. During his visit, Governor Fubara acknowledged the supportive stance of Governor Diri and expressed gratitude for the solidarity demonstrated during the political crisis in Rivers State. Additionally, he recognized the intervention of President Bola Tinubu in addressing the political issues within Rivers.
In response, Governor Diri appreciated Governor Fubara’s visit, emphasizing its potential to foster mutually beneficial working relationships between the two neighboring states. Governor Diri highlighted the ongoing legal disputes, particularly the Soku oil wells, and the demolition of the Bayelsa House in Rivers, both subject to legal proceedings at the Nigerian Supreme Court. Despite these challenges, Governor Diri expressed his commitment to working together with Governor Fubara, fostering a collaborative and brotherly relationship for the benefit of both states.
