Following a recent political turmoil that has rocked his state, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has asked Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to be patient and tolerant.
In order for Fubara’s plan to create the state to become a reality, he also pushed Fubara to stay focused and work for peace.
On Wednesday, during Fubara’s and a high-ranking delegation’s visit to his country house in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area Area, Diri delivered the advice.
Since taking office on May 29, 2023, it was Fubara’s first official visit to Bayelsa State. During the Rivers governor’s visit, a number of notable individuals were in attendance, including Diri’s predecessor and senator for Bayelsa West in the National Assembly, Seriake Dickson.
Daniel Alabrah, Diri’s chief press secretary, was quoted in a statement released on Thursday as saying that peace is vital and cannot be overstated because no progress can occur in a crisis-ridden environment.
Because of the long-standing brotherly bond between Rivers and Bayelsa, Diri stated, “anything that affects one affects the other.” He also mentioned that he had been worried about the political situation in Rivers and had been working behind the scenes to bring peace back to the state.
According to The PUNCH, a move to impeach Fubara by 27 members who support former governor Nyesom Wike has thrown Rivers State into a political quagmire.
Fubara was accused by Wike, who is currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, of betraying him and ruining the political system that Wike had established.
On Wednesday, however, Diri issued a warning against adding ethnic color to the Rivers situation. According to Diri, the Ikwerre of Rivers and the Ijaw of both Rivers and Bayelsa were one people and could not afford to fight each other since doing so would be like a pointless conflict between brothers.
Diri also advised Fubara to have patience and tolerance in order to bring growth to his state’s citizens.
Diri welcomed Fubara’s olive branch to find a peaceful resolution to the legal disputes between the two states, while also expressing a willingness to establish better ties with the Rivers governor for the benefit of both.
“Bayelsa and rivers are one and the same,” the governor declared. For this reason, we took secret measures to guarantee that your state would remain peaceful throughout the political unrest. Bayelsa is impacted by Rivers.
“I believe that Rivers State needs to be at peace. God should give you the ability to rule with wisdom. You have to exercise tolerance and patience right now. God will lead you if you speak with Him as well.
“I refused to allow some people to color the problem with ethnicities. In order for the governor to concentrate on providing development to his people, we should all seek peace rather than intensify the conflict. In order for both states to grow, I once more ask for harmony and understanding.
“You have undoubtedly received a briefing regarding the cases we have on trial. You suggested that we discuss our problems because of this. I’m ready to talk about them with your government and find a solution.
“We need to prioritize people in our politics. Serving our people well is a way of serving God. Additionally, we must get together more frequently to discuss areas where both states stand to gain.
In his speech, Fubara stated that the purpose of his visit was to promote harmony and look for opportunities for cooperation between the two states.
He stated that the two states were too similar to work against each other. He also claimed that the current crisis in Rivers was regrettable but that the problems were being fixed since his administration was concentrated on the state’s development.
Fubara acknowledged the unity of the people of Bayelsa and promised to strengthen ties with Diri so that both states could advance.
Insisting that as brothers, a peaceful resolution could be found to the problems that threatened to split them, he said that Rivers was open to discussing and resolving all the legal concerns involving both states.
There is no distinction between Rivers and Bayelsa, according to Fubara. The aim of Bayelsa’s formation was development. We are all the same person.
“I’m here for a unity gathering. We want to work together for the growth of both states, and that is what we are here to tell our brother.
“Both states jointly hold a great deal of property here. We must get together to resolve all difficulties. A crisis situation is not conducive to our development. Development requires peace as a key component.
“We value the camaraderie shown by the people of Bayelsa during this difficult time. Bayelsa is impacted by everything that impacts Rivers. However, Nigeria also requires stability in Rivers due to our strategic location.
