By Passman Akpos
The Governor of Bayelsa state, Sen. Douye Diri today paid a Christmas visit to the Governor of Rivers State Sir. Siminalayi Fubara, at the Government House, Port Harcourt to show solidarity in the Yuletide season.
According to the Bayelsa state Governor, in a statement made available to Tarakirivoice today, the visit was to return a similar gesture when Gov. Fubara led a large delegation to his country-home at Sampou early this year.
“This visit is to strengthen the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the two sister states of Rivers and Bayelsa” he noted.
Recall, The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, early January 2024 led some prominent leaders of the state to visit his Bayelsa State counterpart, Douye Diri, at his country home in Sampou, Kolokuma/ Opokuma Local Council, where they agreed to work together to settle issues concerning property jointly owned by both states and pending in court.
According to the Rivers governor, his visit was 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.
He said: “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 moment, whatever the issues are, let us look for a way to settle them amicably so that we can forge ahead.”On his part, Diri urged his Rivers State counterpart, to work for peace for his vision to develop the state to be actualised.
He cautioned against giving ethnic coloration to the crisis, insisting that the Ikwerre of Rivers and the Ijaw of both Rivers and Bayelsa are one, and cannot afford to fight each other, as it would amount to a senseless battle between brothers.
The statement reads in part “Today, I paid a Christmas visit to my brother and colleague, the Governor of Rivers State, Sir. Siminalayi Fubara, at the Government House, Port Harcourt to show solidarity in this Yuletide season.
This visit is to return a similar gesture when Gov. Fubara led a large delegation to my country-home of Sampou last year.
Again, this visit is to strengthen the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the two sister states of Rivers and Bayelsa.
Truly, since he came on board, we have maintained a cordial relationship and shared so much together in our service to the people and for the development of the two states.
Compliments of the season and I wish His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, a Happy New Year in advance”
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