Bayelsa, Rivers Oil Dispute Resolved, Says Diri, Fubara
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has expressed delight over the peaceful resolution of the Soku oil well dispute between Rivers and Bayelsa states.
Diri, who spoke in Port Harcourt during a visit to his Rivers counterpart, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, said he was delighted that under Fubara, both states have agreed to return to status quo, thus ending the dispute and withdrawing the case from court.
The Bayelsa governor said the peaceful relations between both states was necessary for their development, and called for its continuity.
Diri also lauded Fubara for his handling of the demolished property of the Bayelsa government in Port Harcourt, which is still in court while both states are close to reaching an amicable settlement.
He stressed the importance of regular interactions between both states, while assuring Fubara of the support of the government and people of Bayelsa at all times.
Diri also hailed the cooperation of the sister-state in tackling vandalism, which has led to a joint task force to tackle the menace and forestall further damage to government facilities, particularly power infrastructure of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN.
His words: “We came to pay you a Christmas visit. You surprised us early this year and as brothers we decided to also visit you.
“Going forward, we should continue to visit each other to keep both states peaceful and to allow for our development.
“Rivers and Bayelsa are one. Since you came on board, both states have been peaceful. Now we have understanding even in areas where we had issues.
“For instance, the Soku oil well. We have agreed to go back to status quo before the crisis and there is peace now. That matter is out of court.
“Recently, our state was in darkness for four months due to vandalism of TCN facilities.
“We waited for TCN, but took up the challenge because they were too slow and the vandals destroyed more facilities.
“Today, we have a joint surveillance team to check vandalism and we are happy.