Rivers and Bayelsa States on Sunday restated their commitment to sustain their brotherhood and collaborate on all issues of mutual interest.
They renewed the commitment as Governor Siminalayi Fubara paid a condolence visit to his Bayelsa counterpart, Gov. Douye Diri over the death of the Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor.
Gov. Fubara, who was accompanied by a high-powered delegation, said Rivers people were also in grief over Ewhrudjakpo’s death as whatever impacted Bayelsa had a ripple effect on his state.
He said: “Rivers and Bayelsa would remain as one people. While you in Bayelsa are grieving, our state is also grieving. Our story in Rivers cannot be complete without some aspects of Bayelsa.
“So, in situations like this, when Bayelsa is mourning, it is only proper for us to come and condole with the government, the people and the family of the late deputy governor.
“We assure you that we will support you. There is no condolence visit or sweet words that can fill the gap of the loss of any dear one. It is only God that can fill the void.”
Responding, the Gov. Diri expressed gratitude to his Rivers counterpart for his show of love and support over the sad incident.
According to Gov. Diri, Fubara was the first governor to pay a condolence visit after his deputy’s demise on December 11 and that the gesture demonstrated that Bayelsa and Rivers people were one with a common history.
He said the government and people of Bayelsa as well as the Ewhrudjakpo family were comforted and honoured by Fubara’s visit.
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Gov. Diri assured that Bayelsa and Rivers would continue to collaborate and resolve issues that arise in the interest of both states and their people.
“As governors, both of us have collaborated quietly to resolve the Soku oil well dispute that predated our administrations. Same way, we will work together as brother states to resolve any other issue that might arise.
“Rivers and Bayelsa cannot afford to be at loggerheads, especially as we are in the same party. So, we will continue to collaborate.
“I thank you and your delegation for this visit, which means so much to us,” Gov. Diri stated.
Both governors thereafter visited the official residence of the departed deputy governor to condole with his wife, Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo.
