Edith CHUKU
The relationship between Bayelsa and Rivers states has strengthened under the administrations of Senator Douye Diri and the governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
During Fubara’s condolence visit to his Bayelsa counterpart, on Sunday, at the Government House Yenagoa, Diri assured that the both states would continue to collaborate and resolve issues that arise in the interest of the states and its people.
Diri revealed that he collaborated with Fubara to resolve the Soku oil well dispute, noting that both states cannot afford to be at loggerheads.
Fubara had made same declaration about a year ago when Diri paid a Christmas visit to Rivers. During that visit, Fubara reaffirmed the unbreakable bond between Rivers and Bayelsa, describing the states as “one family” with shared history and destiny, stating that Rivers story isn’t complete without Bayelsa.
Speaking during the condolence visit, Diri noted that, “as governors, both of us have collaborated quietly to resolve the Soku oil well dispute that predated our administrations. Same way, we will work together as brother states to resolve any other issue that might arise.
“Rivers and Bayelsa cannot afford to be at loggerheads, especially as we are in the same party. So, we will continue to collaborate.”
On the visit over the demise of his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Bayelsa governor expressed gratitude to his Rivers counterpart for his show of love and support.
According to Diri, Fubara was the first governor to pay a condolence visit after his deputy’s demise on December 11 and that the gesture demonstrated that Bayelsa and Rivers people were one with a common history.
He said the government and people of Bayelsa as well as the Ewhrudjakpo family were comforted and honoured by Fubara’s visit.
“I thank you and your delegation for this visit, which means so much to us,” Diri stated.
On his part, Fubara commiserated with the people of Bayelsa and the family of the late Ewhrudjakpo.
Fubara, who was accompanied by a delegation, said Rivers people were also in grief over Ewhrudjakpo’s death as whatever impacted Bayelsa had a ripple effect on his state.
His words,“Rivers and Bayelsa would remain as one people. While you in Bayelsa are grieving, our state is also grieving. Our story in Rivers cannot be complete without some aspects of Bayelsa. So, in situations like this, when Bayelsa is mourning, it is only proper for us to come and condole with the government, the people and the family of the late deputy governor.
“We assure you that we will support you. There is no condolence visit or sweet words that can fill the gap of the loss of any dear one. It is only God that can fill the void.”
Both governors thereafter visited the official residence of the departed deputy governor to condole with his wife, Mrs. Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo.
