The trio of Senator Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa State, his predecessor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson and the governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara have been brainstorming on the possible ways of resolving the crisis in Rivers State.
The second achievement the leaders would want to see is a peaceful co-existence between the sister states-Rivers and Bayelsa, which have been at daggers-drawn especially during the days of the immediate past government under Nyesom Wike. In fact, the two states are still in court over assets ownership.
Fubara made s historic visit to Diri on Wednesday in his Sampou country home. On that same day, Dickson was in Diri’s village for a return yuletide visit which he promised to make, following Diri’s initial visit to him.
Fubara was accompanied to the visit by some elders of Rivers State, including a former commissioner for works and defender of the Fubara cause, Dvid Briggs.
Speaking while receiving his Rivers State counterpart, Diri said it was necessary for Fubara to continue on the path of peace in order for his vision to develop the state to be actualised.
Diri said he had been concerned about the political crisis in Rivers, hence his decision to even work behind the scene to ensure peace returned to the state. He cautioned against giving ethnic coloration to the crisis, insisting that the Ikwerre of Rivers and the Ijaw of both Rivers and Bayelsa were one and cannot afford to fight each other as it would amount to a senseless battle between brothers.
While expressing willingness to forge closer ties with the Rivers governor in the interest of both states, Diri welcomed Fubara’s olive branch to find an amicable solution to the legal tussles between both states.
Diri said: “Rivers and Bayelsa are one and the same. That is why during the political crisis, we worked behind the scene to ensure peace reigned in your state. What affects Rivers affects Bayelsa.
“My thinking is that there has to be peace in Rivers State. God should grant you the wisdom to govern. At this time you must be patient and tolerant. You should also communicate with God and He will guide you.
“Some people wanted to give the crisis ethnic coloration but I said no. We should all look for peace and not escalate it so that the governor will also focus on delivering development to his people. I again call for peace and understanding so that both states will experience development.
“We have some cases in court and I am sure you have been briefed. That is why you said we should talk about our issues. I am very prepared to discuss with your government to resolve them.
“Our politics must be people-oriented. If we serve our people well, we serve God. We also need to meet more closely and explore areas of mutual benefits to both states.”
Fubara had earlier said his visit was to foster unity and seek areas of collaboration between both states, adding that the two states had a lot in common and cannot afford to work at cross purposes.
Fubara noted that the recent crisis in Rivers was unfortunate and said the issues were being resolved as his administration was focused on developing the state.
He said: “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.”
