As Rivers State concludes the celebrations of its Golden Jubilee, Bayelsa State governor, Hon Henry Seriake Dickson, says he was absent at the epoch-making ceremony because his government and the good people of his state were neither invited nor involved in the planning of the anniversary which in actual sense should have been an event for both states.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Daniel Iworiso- Markson, regretted the non-involvement of the government and people of Bayelsa State at the anniversary celebration, in spite of the historical ties of the two sister states and the pre-eminent roles played by citizens and leaders of the states in the creation and development of Rivers State.
The governor however congratulated the government and the people of Rivers State for a well-deserved Golden Jubilee. While expressing shock over the non-involvement of Bayelsa State in the anniversary celebration, the governor said his government was ever willing to partner with the government of Rivers State in the best interest of the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
The Governor also said the bond between the two states was very strong, stressing that in spite of all the distractions and propaganda sponsored against his government, all Bayelsans, still regarded Rivers State as home! He therefore, called on the people of Rivers State to live peacefully amongst themselves, adding that no meaningful development could take place without peace. According to the statement, Governor Dickson also acknowledged the attacks on his person by the Rivers State Governor, Chief NyesomWike but had in deference to the good people of Rivers State refused to join issues with him.