SENATOR Henry Seriake Dickson, CON, former Governor of Bayelsa State on Monday led a Bayelsa State delegation of royal majesties, highnesses and political leaders on a courtesy call themed on peace to Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.
“We bring to you the special fatherly greetings, prayers and best wishes of our father and national leader Pa Edwin Clark, OFR, CON, as he has always done and I will be reporting to him the outcome of this visit,” said Senator Dickson about the visit that was about relations between Bayelsa and Rivers States, and how recent issues in Rivers State could be resolved.
“The political events in the last few months have threatened to wipe away the gains made by successive leaders and fathers in Rivers State from inception till date, and this must be halted and sacrifices must be made in that regard,” he said.
“We have also come with a message of peace and reconciliation, forgiveness, unity, mutual respect, political maturity, and tolerance by all,” said Senator Dickson, who added that, “Rivers and Bayelsa States are inseparably intertwined historically, culturally, economically and even politically. Some say that the two States are Siamese twins; others say that the two States are identical twins, but what we know is that Rivers State nurtured and gave birth to Bayelsa State through the benevolence of then Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha of blessed memory and the concerted patriotic efforts of leaders of the old Rivers State (now Bayelsa and Rivers leaders).
That historical and cultural umbilical cord remains sacred and should not be broken. Whatever affects one State, invariably affects the other. It is that interconnectedness that makes it difficult sometimes to know when you are leaving Bayelsa State and entering Rivers State or vice versa.”
Governor Fubara, Senator Dickson, and the Bayelsa State delegation
He stated that, “Rivers State nurtured most, if not all our Bayelsa people. Almost everyone in present day Bayelsa State, including members of this delegation lived, worked, schooled and some of them still live in Port Harcourt with their families, and they still call Port Harcourt and Rivers State their home. Your Excellency, to us in Bayelsa State therefore, you are our Governor too.
“Rivers and Bayelsa States cannot and should not bicker or have a bitter and toxic relationship and the leaders should always work together to resolve any issues arising from our interconnectedness amicably We urge you and your brother Governor of Bayelsa State to work together to resolve the issues for the benefit of our people in a fair, just, rational and equitable manner without resort to divisiveness, rhetoric and propaganda. The two States should work together to drive security, integration and development within the South South region to advance our mutual interest in the Nigerian Federation politically and economically.”
He advised the two Governors to draw from the “pool of experienced and respected leaders and fathers in Rivers and Bayelsa States who could be called upon for advice and support”.
Senator Dickson thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention and efforts to maintain peace and stability in the State and appreciated the efforts of leaders and fathers of Rivers State who have individually and collectively tried to resolve the political issues in the State privately and publicly.
He thanked Governor Fubara and the Honourable Minister of their Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency, Nyesom Wike for their restraint following the intervention of the President. He also called on the institutions of State, the Judiciary, the State House of Assembly, and security agencies to work with the Executive Arm led by the Governor for the security, peace, and good governance of the State in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to prevent the State from going into chaos and anarchy.
“We call on all leaders and the entire people of Rivers State to continue to support the Governor to succeed in his assignment as Governor by providing good leadership to the entire people of the State. We also ask the people to support the Minister to succeed in his federal assignment. This is not the time for leaders and the people to engage in blame games, name calling, acrimony, and taking sides. We know that there is a temptation or tendency to exploit the current situation for personal gains. This is a time for leaders to unite for peace and resolve the issues. We thank those who have been intervening and urge them not to stop.”
Among the leaders in the Bayelsa delegation was His Majesty, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Amayagbon Twon Brass, and the first Governor of old Rivers State.
Governor Fubara, while thanking the delegation, recounted the efforts he had made for peace to reign in the State. He acknowledged the role of his predecessor made in him being Governor but said he would only worship the Almighty God who ultimately gives power.