by Happiness Ulumefoh
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Bayelsa State counterpart, Douye Diri, have reiterated their commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence between the two states amid the controversies over the ownership of Soku Oil Wells and Bayelsa State’s landed properties in Port Harcourt.
Both governors restated their commitment at the Government House, Port Harcourt, when Governor Diri led a delegation of Bayelsa State officials on a Christmas visit to Governor Fubara in reciprocation of the Rivers State Governor’s earlier visit to Yenagoa.
Speaking at the meeting, Governor Diri thanked Governor his Rivers State counterpart for his peaceful approach to resolving the long-standing issues between the two sister states, especially for collaborating with him to reach a truce over the contentious Soku Oil Wells and the takeover of Bayelsa State properties by the past administration, which had led to a Supreme Court case by the Diri administration.
On his part, Governor Fubara stressed the historical ties between the two states, which were once united as Rivers State, emphasizing the importance of cooperation.
He reaffirmed his administration’s efforts to resolve the disputes amicably in the best interest of both states.
Fubara also emphasized the need to strengthen the BRACED Commission, a regional body comprising Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Edo States, to promote development and regional integration.
