Southern Governors Pledge Harmony Amid Oil Wells Conflict

Following recent disputes over oil wells and land ownership, the governors of Rivers and Bayelsa States in southern Nigeria, Siminalayi Fubara and Douye Diri, have reiterated their dedication to maintaining peaceful relations between their respective states.

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.

Today, I paid a Christmas visit to my brother and colleague, the Governor of Rivers State, Sir. Siminalayi Fubara, at the Government House, Port Harcourt to show solidarity in this Yuletide season.

This visit is to return a similar gesture when Gov. Fubara led a large delegation… pic.twitter.com/tBlYT0wKDL

— Governor Douye Diri (@govdouyediri) December 28, 2024

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 past administration’s takeover of Bayelsa State properties, which led to a Supreme Court case by his administration.

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

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