RIVERS, BAYELSA COLLABORATE TO SETTLE LONG-STANDING SOKU OIL WELLS, PROPERTY DISPUTES. (PHOTO).

 

The Governors of Rivers and Bayelsa States, Siminalayi Fubara and Douye Diri, have reaffirmed their commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence between the two states following the controversies over the ownership of Soku Oil Wells and Bayelsa State’s landed properties in Port Harcourt.

The commitment was restated when Governor Diri led a delegation of Bayelsa State officials on a Christmas visit to Governor Fubara at the Government House, Port Harcourt, reciprocating an earlier visit by the Rivers State Governor to Yenagoa.

During the meeting, Governor Diri expressed gratitude for Governor Fubara’s peaceful approach to resolving the long-standing issues.

He lauded his counterpart for working with him to reach a truce over the contentious Soku Oil Wells and the takeover of Bayelsa State properties by the past administration, which had led to a Supreme Court case by his administration.

In his remarks, Governor Fubara emphasised the historical ties between the two states, which were once united as Rivers State, and stressed the importance of mutual cooperation.

He stated that his administration’s efforts to resolve these disputes amicably are in the best interest of both states.

Governor Fubara also highlighted the need to strengthen the BRACE Commission—a regional body comprising Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Edo States—to promote development and regional integration.