ABER Commends Gov. Diri For Hosting Rescued São Tomé And Príncipe Fishermen
By Jonah Fubara, YENAGOA – The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER) has commended the Bayelsa State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri, for hosting two fishermen rescued after straying into Nigerian waters and for formally handing them over to the Ambassador of São Tomé and Príncipe to Nigeria, Carlos Manuel Moreno.
The commendation was made by the Convener and Chief Executive Officer of ABER, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, who described the governor’s gesture as a demonstration of Bayelsa State’s commitment to African solidarity, maritime safety and the principles of the Blue Economy.
The fishermen, identified as Pedro Mateus and Isnaic Dafonseca, were rescued eight days ago by residents of Agge, a coastal community in Ekeremor Local Government Area, after they reportedly strayed into Nigerian waters while fishing.
They were subsequently handed over to the Bayelsa State Government by the Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area, Hon. Isaac Onniye.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at his country home in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Governor Diri expressed gratitude for the safe rescue of the fishermen and commended the prompt response of the São Tomé and Príncipe Embassy.
“First, I thank God for a day like this. Our brothers from São Tomé and Príncipe who lost their way while on their fishing expedition have been found here in Bayelsa State,” Diri said.
The governor noted that the incident marked the second time Bayelsa had received fishermen from São Tomé and Príncipe who strayed into its coastal waters.
He recalled that a similar incident occurred previously in Brass Local Government Area, stressing that the repeated encounters underscored the close relationship between Bayelsa’s coastal communities and the Atlantic Ocean.
“Let it be on record that this is the second time we are receiving our brothers from São Tomé and Príncipe. The last time was in Brass LGA, and this time in Ekeremor LGA, both coastal communities on the Atlantic Ocean,” he said.
Governor Diri said he directed the immediate transfer of the fishermen to Yenagoa after receiving information that they had spent about eight days at sea.
“For me, every citizen, no matter how lowly or highly placed, is important. We must treat every person with the equity and equality they deserve,” he added.
The governor subsequently handed the fishermen over to Ambassador Moreno, expressing confidence that the development would further strengthen the relationship between Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Bayelsa State.
“I now officially hand them over to you, so that the bond and friendship between Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe, and specifically Bayelsa, will continue to grow from strength to strength,” Diri said.
The governor was joined at the ceremony by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai; Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Faith Zibs-Godwin; Acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Yenagoa, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo; and other senior government officials.
Ambassador Moreno was accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the Embassy of São Tomé and Príncipe, Ms. Jerushah Danboyi.
Dr. Kiyaramo said the safe rescue and humane treatment of the fishermen underscored the importance of cooperation among coastal states in promoting maritime safety, strengthening regional relations and advancing an inclusive African Blue Economy.
