Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called on his South-South counterparts to work together to foster enduring synergy and implement measures that will drive the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.
Governor Fubara made the call during a Christmas visit by Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and a delegation of state leaders to the Government House in Port Harcourt on Saturday. Fubara emphasized the importance of collaboration between the sister states in the region, noting that a lack of mutual cooperation has often hindered meaningful development.
Highlighting the shared relationship between Rivers and Bayelsa, Governor Fubara pointed out that many Bayelsans live in Rivers, even if they work in Bayelsa. He said this underscores the need for a more collaborative approach to addressing issues such as security, infrastructure, and ease of business operations, which directly affect the people of both states.
Governor Fubara suggested that the BRACED Commission, which focuses on the development of the South-South zone, be strengthened. He stressed that crime issues, for instance, could not be solved by addressing them in just one state, as criminals might simply move across borders. He called for a collective effort across all states in the region—Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo—to find lasting solutions to regional challenges.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Governor Fubara thanked Governor Diri for the Christmas visit, which he described as a sign of the mutual respect and collaboration between the two state governments. He emphasized the shared responsibility of both states to protect their oil resources, both offshore and onshore, as well as the importance of internal security in ensuring peace and development.
Governor Fubara reflected on the past, recalling the difficulties faced during the days of militancy in the region. He expressed satisfaction that the region, especially Rivers and Bayelsa States, had now achieved peace, attributing this transformation to divine intervention and the dedication of both state governments to resolving conflicts.
“The BRACED Commission has the interest of our zone. So, we can’t talk about development, solving crime issues in Rivers State; because if you solve only that of Rivers State, those criminals might run to Akwa Ibom State and in the night, they will come back and commit criminal acts.
“So, it must be something that, while we are doing something here, that same synergy must be in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Delta and Edo states. That is the only way we can get solution to our problems. I think you have to really take up this assignment, and see what we can record before we leave; because the only thing that can speak for us is those things we have added that will bring changes in the lives of our people.”
Governor Fubara insisted: “We have a responsibility, as leaders of these two states, to protect the oil resources. The oil investments, both the ones offshore, the ones onshore and within the pipelines, must be protected. It is important to do so, and we are doing our best for that.
“Are we even talking about the amount of money we spend for internal security to make sure that there is peace, knowing how volatile our region is? So, please, we will continue to do it, not because there is anything we want to gain personally. If there is no peace, there can’t be development.
“You can imagine what we went through in the days of militancy. I am so happy today that our region, more especially, Bayelsa and Rivers States, are no longer what they used to call us. God has sent that trouble to some other areas.
“So, we are now at peace. It is because we surrendered this situation to the hands of Almighty God. There is nothing God cannot do, when you believe in Him.”
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, reciprocated the goodwill by recalling a surprise Christmas visit made by Governor Fubara to his country home in 2023. He highlighted the strong bond between the two states, citing common ethnic, cultural, and social ties, and praised Governor Fubara for his friendship and leadership.
Governor Diri acknowledged the peaceful resolution of previous disputes, such as the Soku oil wells issue, which had been a point of tension between the two states. He explained that both states had agreed to return to the status quo and had directed their Attorneys General to resolve the matter legally, bringing relative peace to the situation. Diri also recalled how the previous administration in Rivers State had destroyed Bayelsan properties, but the two states adopted a legal approach and found amicable solutions without resorting to retaliation.
Governor Diri concluded by emphasizing the positive relationship between Rivers and Bayelsa under Governor Fubara’s leadership, noting that both states have made progress in resolving boundary issues and fostering cooperation.
Governor Diri said: “But more importantly today, I like to also put on record that since you came on board, between our two states, it has been very peaceful. Between our two states, we have had a whole lot of understanding, even in areas where we had some previous disagreements.
“And for me, that is very instructive, and I like to make particular reference to the Soku oil wells that generated a whole lot of heat between our two states.
“For now, between us, we have agreed that let us go back to the status quo before whatever happened. So, we have both directed our Attorneys General to take charge of that, and they have already done the needful. So, there is relative peace between Bayelsa and Rivers states concerning the Soku oil wells. “
