- Sues for peace
From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has cautioned those giving ethnic colouration to the crisis in Rivers State.
Diri who stated this when he hosted his Rivers State counterpart, Siminalayi Fubara at his country home in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area stated 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.
The Bayelsa state helmsman who urged Fubara to work for peace in order for his vision to develop the state to be actualised noted that the importance of peace cannot be over-emphasised as no development can take place where there is crisis.
Diri quoted in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah explained that Rivers and Bayelsa have a long-standing brotherly relationship and whatever affects one affects the other.
According to the governor, he noted that he had been concerned about the political crisis in Rivers and had worked behind the scenes to ensure peace returned to the state.
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.
“Rivers and Bayelsa are one and the same. That is why during the political crisis, we worked behind the scenes to ensure peace reigned in your state. What affects Rivers affects Bayelsa.
“Some people wanted to give the crisis ethnic colouration 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 while noting that his visit was to foster unity and seek areas of collaboration between both states stated that the recent crisis in Rivers was unfortunate.
He however disclosed the issues were being resolved as his administration was focused on developing the state.
He stated that Rivers was willing to dialogue and resolve all the legal issues involving both states, insisting that as brothers an amicable solution can be found to the challenges threatening to divide them.