Gov.Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers,said his administration would work with his Bayelsa state counterpart,Sen.Douye Diri to achieve peaceful settlement of the property jointly owned by both states pending in the courts.
Fubara disclosed this on Wednesday in a statement issued to Newsmen by Mr Boniface Onyedi,the Senior Special Assistant on Media,in Port Harcourt.
Fubara expressed his strong desire for the mutual cooperation when he paid a new year visit to Sen.Douye Diri of Bayelsa at his country home in Sampou in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa.
Fubara said he visited with a number of prominent leaders of the state to underscore the importance of unity that should open a new chapter between the two states.
He said the meeting would renew their brotherhood and never allow administrative boundary issues to create animosity between them anymore.
“The purpose of our visit is to tell our brother that we want to work together for common purpose and for the development of both states.
“We have a lot of things in Rivers state that are jointly owned by these two states. It is our desire, I know we have not had this before, from this particular moment, whatever it is, let us look for a way to settle it, so that we can move ahead.
“I have always said that we cannot attain development in the face of crisis.We can not help one another in a situation of anarchy. Peace is the major ingredient for development,”Fubara said.
Fubara also commended Sen.Diri and the people of Bayelsa state for their show of solidarity to his administration amidst the political crisis that erupted in the state.
Fubara told Diri that if he accepts the brotherly handshake extended to him, then he would not sneeze in isolation because they would be stronger together as they forge ahead as one people.
The Rivers state Governor acknowledged the fatherly role played by President Bola Tinubu in mediating in the Rivers political crisis.
He restated his commitment to continue to support the administration of President Tinubu, saying that if there is no peace in Rivers, the national economy will surely suffer.
Earlier,Gov.Fubara had also visited the residence of Sen. Azuta Mbata, to felicitate with him on his birthday and wished him more glorious years in good health.
In a speech,Bayelsa State Governor,Sen.Douye Diri thanked his Rivers state counterpart for the visit, and his initiative to work mutually with Bayelsa state government.
Diri recalled the ongoing legal issues at the Nigerian Supreme Court over the disputed Soku oil wells and the Bayelsa House that was demolished in Rivers state, pledging willingness to ensure that they work together as brothers.