The raging media war between Rivers and Bayelsa States over ownership of certain oil wells, has attracted the attention of the President, who has described it as unnecessary, unbecoming and unhelpful.
Media and Publicity Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the outburst was escalating with each passing day and by this reason, his boss has directed the two Governors to put an end to the hostile public comments against each other.
The president noted that the media rivalry was capable of hindering efforts aimed at reaching an amicable resolution of the dispute.
The statement reads in parts: “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.”
“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. He looks forward to receiving the Rivers and Bayelsa State delegations in Abuja on Friday.”
Governor Dickson’s spokesman, Daniel Iworiso-Markson had said: “The government of Rivers State has been receiving derivation revenue over several oil facilities and installations which are clearly within Bayelsa territory from 1999 till date in spite of the clear boundary delineation in the said map.”
But the Rivers State Government insists the disputed oil wells belonged to the state.
Information Commissioner, Mrs Ibim Semenatari, said the National Boundary Commission confirmed making a mistake in the 12th edition of the map which the Supreme Court ordered to be rectified.
Analysts say both states are at loggerheads and would not allow either take possession of the oil wells as billions of naira in derivation cash is at stake.
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