December 28, (THEWILL) – Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on his South-South counterparts to foster stronger collaboration and implement strategies aimed at achieving sustainable development across the region.
Fubara made the appeal on Saturday while receiving Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, who led a delegation of Bayelsa leaders on a Christmas courtesy visit to the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Highlighting the importance of unity among South-South states, Fubara urged a renewed commitment to the BRACED Commission, a regional body established to drive development initiatives in the zone.
“One of the key tasks I would like His Excellency, the Governor of Bayelsa, to champion is the revitalization of the BRACED Commission,” Fubara stated.
He added, “The commission is crucial to our collective interests. Addressing issues like crime in Rivers State alone is not enough because the criminals could flee to Akwa Ibom or other neighboring states and return to perpetrate crimes. We need a synchronized approach across Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo states to find lasting solutions to our shared challenges.”
Fubara emphasised the importance of collaborative security efforts, noting that protecting vital oil resources and investments in the region is a shared responsibility.
“We must safeguard oil resources, including offshore and onshore installations, as well as pipelines. Without peace, there can be no development. As leaders, we must prioritize the stability of our region, not for personal gain, but for the advancement of our people,” he said.
Diri, in his remarks, underscored the deep historical and cultural ties between Rivers and Bayelsa states, commending Fubara for fostering a peaceful relationship since taking office.
He recalled past tensions over issues such as the Soku Oil Wells dispute but expressed satisfaction with the improved understanding between the two states under Fubara’s leadership.
“Under your administration, there has been significant peace and mutual understanding between our states. For instance, on the Soku Oil Wells, we have both agreed to revert to the status quo and have directed our Attorneys General to address the matter amicably. This shows great leadership,” Diri noted.
Diri also praised Fubara’s commitment to ensuring the protection of national assets within their territories, adding that such efforts are crucial to maintaining peace and driving development in the region.
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