Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has commiserated with the government and people of Bayelsa State, as well as the family of the late Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Governor Fubara, who paid a condolence visit to his Bayelsa counterpart, Douye Diri, on Sunday at Government House, said the people of Rivers were also mourning, noting that whatever affected Bayelsa inevitably had a ripple effect on Rivers State.
According to him, Rivers and Bayelsa remained one people with a shared history.
“Rivers and Bayelsa will always remain one. While you in Bayelsa are grieving, our people in Rivers are also grieving. Our story in Rivers cannot be complete without Bayelsa. In moments like this, it is only right that we come to condole with the government, the people and the family of the late deputy governor,” Fubara said.
He added: “We assure you of our support. No condolence visit or comforting words can truly fill the gap left by the loss of a loved one. Only God can fill that void.”
In his response, Governor Diri expressed appreciation to his Rivers counterpart for the show of solidarity and support,
describing the visit as deeply reassuring.
Diri noted that Fubara was the first sitting governor to pay a condolence visit following the death of his deputy on December 11, describing the gesture as a clear demonstration of the shared bond and common heritage between Bayelsa and Rivers states.
He assured that both states would continue to collaborate in resolving issues of mutual interest for the benefit of their people.
“As governors, we have worked quietly together to resolve the Soku oil well dispute that predated our administrations. In the same spirit, we will continue to work as brother states to address any other issues that may arise. Rivers and Bayelsa cannot afford to be at loggerheads, particularly as we belong to the same political family,” Diri said.
He thanked Governor Fubara and his delegation for the visit, describing it as meaningful and comforting to the government and people of Bayelsa, as well as the Ewhrudjakpo family.
Both governors later visited the official residence of the late deputy governor to condole with his wife, Barrister Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo.
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