War of Words: Sheath Your Swords – Governor Diri Tells Governors Mohammed, Ortom

…As Gov. Mohammed says , no disharmony with Ortom

BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has counseled his colleagues, Governors Bala Mohammed and Samuel Ortom of Bauchi and Benue states respectively to as a matter of urgency sheath their swords and allow peace to reign between them and their people.

This is as Governor Mohammed said that there is no disharmony between himself and Governor Ortom, pointing out that the two of them were only courageous enough to discuss a burning national issue and assured that he will do everything within his powers to deescalate the issue in such a way that it will not bring injury to their party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and national unity.

Governor Diri also called on the leadership of the People Democratic Party (PDP), to quickly intervene in the conflict between the two governors, stressing that the trading of words between the two PDP governors in the past few weeks was becoming disturbing and must not be allowed to escalate further.

The Bayelsa Governor, who stated this on Thursday when he paid a courtesy visit on Governor Mohammed at the Government House, Bauchi, called on the two PDP Governors to sheathe their swords and cease further actions and reactions in the interest of the unity and peace of the country.

Diri said; “Concerning the raging current issue between two brothers Governors of the same party, may I cease this opportunity to advice and call on both of you who are members of our great party to cease further actions and reactions on the burning national security issues.

“I want to also use this opportunity to call on our party to immediately intervene and resolve whatever issues that are still yet unresolved amicably, as a party and brothers.

“I am calling on the chairman of the PDP governor’s forum to also please immediately intervene and do not allow this conflict to grow beyond what we have already seen”.

“It is very disturbing to read on the pages of the newspapers about two gentlemen who mean so well for their states, who are doing so well in their states to be engaged in this conflict on the pages of the newspapers and other media outlets,” Diri said.

The visiting Bayelsa governor commended Mohammed over laudable developmental projects executed in the state so far, saying that the Bauchi governor is a great man who is acknowledged by the people of Bayelsa State.

Responding, Governor Mohammed said that he believes in the unity of Nigeria and would not do anything to compromise it.

Mohammed said; “You know my pedigree and antecedents, I believe in the Nigeria unity. At a point, I felt Benue is also my state because I worked there in 1982 and when I was there, the former Governor made me his own son, I was dinning and eating in his house. Everybody that has Fulani background is considered and loved most, than even an average Tiv man in Benue state.

“I was just lamenting that primordial cordiality, relationship has been destroyed by suspicion and mistrust. I was not doing anything in any way to insult or to cause injury to my friend and brother that we have worked together at the cabinet and now as governors.

“Thank you for having the courage to tell us, it is time to stop. My response is just very mild on issue criminalization of my humble self and I know my brother has a right of reply and he has done that, but let it not take this thing to a level where leadership will be demystified,” Mohammed enthused.