South-South Governors Must Collaborate for Regional Development, Fubara Insists
● Tonye Okurumo
•••As Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri Pays Christmas Visit to Rivers State
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called on South-South governors to prioritize collaboration and synergy to achieve sustainable development across the Niger Delta region. He made this call on Saturday, December 28, 2024, while receiving his Bayelsa State counterpart, Senator Douye Diri, who visited with a delegation at the Government House, Port Harcourt, for a Christmas courtesy call.
Governor Fubara emphasized the pressing need for unity among the states, highlighting how a lack of cooperation hampers meaningful progress in the region. “In fact, one of the assignments I will want His Excellency, the Governor of Bayelsa, to carry on with is this: let us strengthen the BRACED Commission,” Fubara said, referencing the regional body created to foster economic development and cooperation among the South-South states.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara (6th right); Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri (7th right); and members of the Bayelsa delegation during the Christmas visit to Government House in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
He underscored the importance of a coordinated approach to tackling crime and fostering development, stating:
“We can’t talk about development or solving crime issues in Rivers State alone because if you solve only that of Rivers State, those criminals might run to Akwa Ibom State and then come back at night to commit crimes. The synergy must extend to Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo states. That is the only way we can address our problems effectively.”
Governor Fubara further thanked Governor Diri for the visit, which he described as a testament to the shared values of good governance between their administrations. He also reaffirmed their joint commitment to protecting critical national assets and oil resources in both states.
“We have a responsibility, as leaders of these two states, to protect the oil resources. The pipelines, offshore and onshore investments must be secured. Without peace, there can be no development, and we are working hard to maintain that peace,” Fubara added.
Bayelsa-Rivers Relationship Deepens
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara (right); receiving a gift from Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri (left); during the Christmas visit to Government House in Port Harcourt, Saturday.
In his response, Governor Douye Diri commended Governor Fubara for his proactive leadership and efforts to foster peace between Rivers and Bayelsa States. Recalling Fubara’s surprise Christmas visit in 2023, Diri noted that this year’s visit was an opportunity to strengthen ties further. He highlighted the cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic bonds between the two states, describing them as “inextricable.”
Governor Diri said:
“Since you assumed office, the relationship between our two states has been peaceful. Even contentious issues like the Soku oil wells dispute have been handled with mutual understanding and respect.”
He revealed that both administrations had agreed to revert to the status quo regarding the Soku oil wells, with their Attorneys General tasked to handle legal formalities. This approach, Diri explained, has ensured relative peace and set a precedent for resolving other boundary issues amicably.
Independent Perspectives
A Niger Delta political analyst, Dr. Uche Egbuchulam, lauded the governors’ commitment to regional unity. “What we are seeing is a remarkable shift toward constructive dialogue and cooperation in the Niger Delta. This kind of leadership will accelerate development and stability,” Egbuchulam remarked.
Similarly, community leader Chief Tamuno Briggs praised the governors’ handling of sensitive issues, particularly the Soku oil wells. “Their decision to prioritize peace over confrontation is commendable. It’s a clear message that our leaders are now focusing on what truly matters—progress and unity,” Briggs noted.
The Christmas visit highlighted the growing partnership between the two states and underscored the role of collaboration in addressing the shared challenges of the South-South region. GMTNewsng
