From: Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Governors Nyesom Wike and Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, of Rivers and Bayelsa states, respectively, on Thursday, met behind closed doors at the Bayelsa State Government House, Yenagoa.
The political relationship between the duo appeared sour recently when Governor Dickson told the world that he was not present at the Golden Jubilee celebration of Rivers states because he was not invited for the event.
Though the discussions between them were said to have been centered on how to foster closer ties between the two states, the forthcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention and the quest by the South-South geo-political zone to take a shot at the national chairmanship seat was also reportedly discussed.
The two governors emerged from the closed-door meeting smiling, and said their discussions were fruitful.
Governor Wike, in an interview, said he was not surprised at with the massive development going on in Bayelsa State, noting that it was a clear testament to the performance of a governor who knows what good governance was all about.
According to him, the two of them discussed about how to partner in the areas of political and economic development and also share common ideas that would led to a united South- South region.
The Rivers governor stated that the performance of Governor Dickson was a source of pride to the PDP as a political party, the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta region.
According to Governor Wike, ‘’ I am not surprised because he was prepared for the office and so you can see the result. You know once you are prepared for an exam, certainly you will pass very well. What I have seen today has made PDP to be proud, it has made the people of Bayelsa, the Ijaw Nation and the Niger Delta to be proud’’
However, Governor Dickson, speaking in an interview, expressed optimism that the relationship between the two states would blossom for the benefit of the people.
“We talked about a whole lot, security and developmental matters within our region and in our respective states. As we progress you will see all of this unfold and we will do so at the regional level in conjunction with all our brother governors,” he said.