In his effort to promoting peaceful co-existence between the Ijaws and the Binis in Edo state, as well as to discuss issues of mutual benefit to both state, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state on Saturday 3rd February, 2018 led a high-powered delegation on an official visit to Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa state at the Government House in Yenagoa.
Welcoming the delegation, the Bayelsa state governor, Dickson expressed appreciation to his Edo state counterpart for the visit and sincerely praised his resolve to getting Edo state industrialised.
Governor Dickson explained that both Bayelsa and Edo state and the Niger Delta region as a whole will intensify efforts in peace building through mutual collaboration and cooperation, a development which he believes will bring a quantum leap in the transformation of the region.
Speaking with GbaramatuVoice, the Bayelsa state governor pointed out that the two-state chief executives discussed and agreed on the need for regular peer review and templates, resolved to learn from each other on development related issues, and other concerns bordering on law and order in the community where Ijaw people are residing in Edo state.
Dickson stressed that Godwin Obaseki as the governor of Edo state needs all the support and encouragement from all while calling on the Ijaws in Edo state to be law-abiding, orderly, and peaceful.
He, therefore, urged the state governor to always ensure stability, fairness, and justice to all in the state.
The Bayelsa state governor finally stated that the mammoth crowd of leaders that trooped out to receive the Edo state governor is a true reflection of the Ijaw people’s willingness to embrace peace and good neighborliness while promising to pay a similar visit to Edo state in no distant time.
Responding, the Edo state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki stated that he is in Bayelsa state to discuss with Governor Dickson who doubles as Chairman of the Governors Forum in the South-South region on issues of common concerns, regional cooperation and range of issues affecting the region, particularly economic, social and security matters.
“We discussed extensively and assurances received on issues of mutual benefits despite our political difference and it is my hope that in the coming months or years we will undertake measures to further strengthen regional cooperation,” Obaseki told newsmen.
Other issues raised, deliberated and agreed on, he added, include but not limited to peer review and the need to have a common programme in the Niger Delta region.
On the issue of the Edo-Ijaws strained relationship in the state, Obaseki explained that Edo is a diversified state; a development that brought about people with different cultural origins together, making understanding a bit difficult.
He finally stated that, the state is working round the clock to ensuring peaceful coexistence among all in the state while adding that he has invited Governor Dickson to Edo state as a way of consolidating on this new found relationship.
-SHINA BADMUS
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