By Ken Afor
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has revealed the objective behind his visit to his Bayelsa counterpart Douye Diri on Wednesday.
The governor emphasized that the purpose of his visit was to enhance solidarity and explore opportunities for cooperation between the two states.
He emphasized that both states share numerous similarities and it is crucial for them to align their efforts rather than working against each other.
Fubara, along with a delegation of influential individuals, paid a visit to Governor Diri at his residence in Sampou, located in the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Meanwhile, in the course of his visit, Governor Fubara expressed his thoughts on the recent crisis in Rivers, deeming it regrettable. He assured that his administration was actively working towards resolving these matters, with a strong emphasis on the state’s development.
Furthermore, Fubara emphasized that Rivers was fully committed to engaging in dialogue and finding legal resolutions for all the issues concerning both states.
His words: “There is no difference between Rivers and Bayelsa. The creation of Bayelsa was for development purposes. We are one and the same people.
“My visit is a unification meeting. We are here to tell our brother that we want to work together for a common purpose, which is the development of both states.
“We have a lot of things jointly owned by both states. We need to meet and settle all issues. We cannot be developed in a situation of crisis. Peace is the major ingredient for development.
“We appreciate the people of Bayelsa for their solidarity during our trying period. Whatever affects Rivers affects Bayelsa. But equally important is that Nigeria needs peace in Rivers because of our strategic place.”
Governor Douye Diri previously emphasized the importance of peace to his counterpart in Rivers State, highlighting that the state’s development can only be achieved through a peaceful environment.
He further emphasized that the significance of peace cannot be overstated, as no progress can be made amidst a crisis.
Governor Fubara’s visit to the neighbouring state Bayelsa comes few weeks after the crisis between him and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly was resolved by President Bola Tinubu.
