Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Thursday paid a visit to his Bayelsa State counterpart Douye Diri.
It was Fubara’s first official visit to Bayelsa since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.
Diri urged Fubara to work for peace in order for his vision to develop the state to be actualised.
The Rivers governor visited Diri at his country home in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.
A statement by Diri’s chief press secretary Daniel Alabrah quoted him as saying that Rivers and Bayelsa have a long-standing brotherly relationship and whatever affects one affects the other.
Diri said he had been concerned about the political crisis in Rivers and had worked behind the scene to ensure peace returned to the state.
Diri said: “Rivers and Bayelsa are one and the same. That is why during the political crisis, we worked behind the scene to ensure peace reigned in your state. What affects Rivers affects Bayelsa.
“My thinking is that there has to be peace in Rivers State. God should grant you the wisdom to govern. At this time you must be patient and tolerant. You should also communicate with God and He will guide you.
“Some people wanted to give the crisis ethnic colouration but I said no. We should all look for peace and not escalate it so that the governor will also focus on delivering development to his people. I again call for peace and understanding so that both states will experience development.”
