FROM the presidency in Abuja came an appeal for the cessation of verbal hostilities between the governments of the states of Rivers and Bayelsa on Monday, as tensions worsened between the two oil-rich states over the ownership of oil wells in their border communities.
In an appeal made public through a press statement signed by President Goodluck Jonathan’s special adviser on media and publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the president said that the growing media war between the two states only hinders ongoing attempts at finding an amicable solution to their differences.
Calling on the respective governors of Rivers and Bayelsa, the president asked that they should help create a healthy atmosphere in which positive discussions can be held in the interest of the affected communities, the state and the nation as a whole.
“Having already had very useful discussions with the Rivers State Governor and Kalabari elders over the weekend, President Jonathan intends to take the process forward at another scheduled meeting at 11 am at the Presidential Villa on Friday, November 9, 2012 with the governors of the two states, leaders of the affected communities and all concerned stakeholders,” the statement read.
It added that “President Jonathan consequently urges the two governors and leaders of the affected communities to ensure that no further spiteful or inciting comments are made against each other to pollute the right atmosphere for constructive dialogue and brotherly reconciliation which he is striving to promote for the amicable resolution of the dispute.”