SHOCKING!!! 2019: Riverine Governor Or Nothing - Rivers Women Insist

Come 2019, Rivers State should have a Governor from the riverine axis of the state. This is the path to justice, equity, peace, and harmonious co-existence.

This, women of the state, under the aegis of Rivers Women Alliance (RIWA), are convinced would assuage the feelings of marginalization and political injustice pervading the riverine areas.

The group came out with this position today during a press conference the group held in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

 "It is with deep sense of commitment that we call to register our desire for the need for a riverine Governor come 2019. This call became very necessary as it is the only part to equity, fairness, justice and enhancement of peaceful coexistence in our dear State".

 RIWA regretted that though the state was made up of upland and riverine, its leadership has over the years been domiciled in a particular section.

 It listed Sir Peter Odili, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and Barr. Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, as "our upland brothers" who have ruled the state since the return of democratic rule in 1999.

 "It is only fair for every Rivers son and daughter to rally around a Riverine Governor, to taste the seat of power in our dear state. Equity, fairness, justice and togetherness has been advocated but how can we achieve this fair tales without practice?"

 "This is why we call on all Rivers elders, the political class, traditional rulers youths,women and every faced of life in Rivers to join hands so that our call and advocacy of truth, fairness, equity, justice and togetherness can be fulfilled".

 "We remain committed to this course. It is our belief and trust that come 2019, a Riverine son or daughter will emerge in any of the political parties as the governor of Rivers State".

"Let power sharing be fair and just in that circumstance. Our multi-dimensional ethnic divides of Okrika, Kalabari, Ibani, Ndoni, Ikwerre, Etche, Ogoni and Eleme, rightly defines our anthem of upland and riverine settlement in one palace of greatness. Rivers Women Alliance remains committed to this course".

In a chat with Kristina Reports, RIWA's Coordinator for Media and Publicity, Mrs. Praise Pollyn said every political party in the State must give serious consideration to fielding riverine candidates as part of the process of producing a riverine governor. 

Mrs. Pollyn pointed out that given the unqualifiable contributions of the riverine communities to the development of the State, it becomes an obvious injustice and political insensitivity to ignore the already deafening clamour for these communities to have a son or daughter as governor.