In a historic move toward regional unity and cooperation, the long-standing oil dispute between Bayelsa and Rivers States has been officially resolved, bringing an end to years of legal battles over the Soku oil well. Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa expressed his satisfaction with the peaceful resolution during a recent visit to Port Harcourt, where he met with his Rivers counterpart, Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
The dispute over the Soku oil field, which had seen both states embroiled in protracted legal and political tensions, has now been amicably settled with an agreement to revert to the status quo before the crisis. As part of the agreement, both governors have withdrawn the case from court, marking a pivotal moment in the relationship between the two oil-rich states.
“We are pleased that under your leadership, Governor Fubara, we have come to an understanding,” Governor Diri said, during the visit. “We have decided to go back to the status quo, and this has brought peace to the issue of the Soku oil well. The matter is now out of court, and we can look forward to a future of cooperation.”
The Soku oil well dispute had long been a point of contention between the two neighboring states. For years, Bayelsa and Rivers had claimed ownership of the oil field, leading to political tensions and legal proceedings that threatened to destabilize relations. However, the dialogue initiated by both governors has brought the conflict to a peaceful resolution, with both sides agreeing to focus on collaboration rather than confrontation.
Governor Diri emphasized the importance of sustained peace between the states, noting that cooperation was crucial for their shared development and growth. He highlighted the necessity of maintaining open lines of communication and frequent visits between the states to ensure continued peaceful coexistence.
“We came to pay you a Christmas visit,” Diri said with a smile. “You surprised us with an early gesture of goodwill this year, and as brothers, we decided to also visit you. Going forward, we should continue to visit each other and strengthen our bonds. Rivers and Bayelsa are one; there should be no divisions between us.”
In addition to resolving the oil dispute, Diri commended Governor Fubara for his role in addressing other issues that had strained relations between the two states. One notable issue had been the demolition of Bayelsa government properties in Port Harcourt, which had led to a legal case. Governor Diri expressed optimism that the matter would soon be settled amicably, underlining the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts.
“Under your leadership, we are seeing solutions to the challenges we face,” Diri said. “The demolished properties are still before the courts, but we are hopeful that with your intervention, we will find a lasting solution. The cooperation between our states has been exemplary, and we look forward to working together on even more pressing issues.”
One area of shared concern between both states has been the growing problem of vandalism, especially targeting key infrastructure such as the power transmission facilities of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). In response to this challenge, the two states have come together to form a joint task force aimed at tackling the menace of vandalism and ensuring the protection of critical infrastructure.
Governor Diri highlighted the recent collaborative effort to curb vandalism that had left Bayelsa in darkness for several months due to the destruction of TCN facilities. With the joint task force now in place, both governors expressed confidence that the efforts to protect vital infrastructure would soon bear fruit.
“We had issues with vandalism, particularly with the destruction of TCN facilities,” Diri explained. “For several months, our state was plunged into darkness. We could not wait for TCN to take action, so we decided to step in. But now, with the joint surveillance team in place, we are confident that we will be able to stop the destruction and keep our people safe.”
Governor Fubara, in his response, stressed the importance of unity between Bayelsa and Rivers, describing the two states as inseparable in their quest for development. He also urged both states to work together for the benefit of the entire Niger Delta region, noting that progress in one state invariably impacts the other.
“Rivers and Bayelsa need each other,” Governor Fubara stated. “There is no separating us. Whatever happens in one state affects the other, and we must recognize this reality as we work together for mutual progress. Administration is about serving the people, and we must leave lasting legacies for the generations to come.”
Fubara also called for the revival of the BRACED Commission (Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, and Delta), which had once served as a platform for regional cooperation. He urged both governors to strengthen this institution and deepen the ties between the states of the Niger Delta.
“There is a need to revive and strengthen the BRACED Commission,” Fubara urged. “This commission can serve as a vital tool for fostering cooperation and addressing common challenges in the region. We must work together as a united front to tackle the issues that affect our people.”
The BRACED Commission, which was established to promote economic cooperation and regional integration among the Niger Delta states, has faced challenges over the years. However, both governors agreed that now was the time to reinvigorate the initiative and create a more cohesive approach to addressing the region’s developmental issues.
The resolution of the Soku oil dispute and the renewed commitment to cooperation between Bayelsa and Rivers marks a significant step forward for the two states. By putting aside their differences, the governors have set a precedent for collaboration and peaceful coexistence, providing a model for other states in the Niger Delta to follow.
As the two leaders pledged to continue working together, Governor Diri summed up the spirit of the meeting by reiterating the importance of peace and mutual respect.
“Rivers and Bayelsa are one,” Diri concluded. “We must continue to build on this understanding for the benefit of our people. Together, we are stronger.”
