In recent times, the media have been inundated with brilliant arguments that power must rotate to the Riverine section of Rivers State. This aspiration no doubt is predicated on the dogged principle of equity and justice aiming at building a virile and egalitarian Rivers state where every section would feel a sense of belonging.
Little wonder that a people that produce the bulk of the natural resources for the sustenance of the state and the nation cannot access the seat of power of the state to determine how the resources are applied for the development of the state. They are being systematically pushed to the periphery to serve as second fiddle in the state.
Unfortunately, in Rivers state brick house, spare tyres never had opportunity to ride the car of governance.
This is perhaps the worst type of internal neo- colonialism which must be dismantled in Rivers State in the 2019 gubernatorial election.
Even more disturbing is the fact that from 1999 till date the coveted seat of power in Rivers state oscillates between two senatorial districts while the third district is sidelined and marginalized.
The Rivers west had it from 1999 to 2007 and handed power over to the Rivers East which ruled from 2007 to 2015. When it was supposed to move to the Rivers South East, the Rivers East retains the seat of power in 2015 to 2019 which is a political error that needs to be corrected in 2019 in the spirit of equity, equality and fairness to the Rivers South East Senatorial district.
This being the case, and in consideration of the Upland/Riverine dichotomy of Rivers State, the Riverine section of the Rivers South East Senatorial District remains the most valid section of the state to mount the saddle of power in Rivers State.
This will not only pacify the yearnings and aspirations of Riverine People of Rivers State but will clearly make for power equilibrium and even political development in Rivers State and establish the rotational governorship in Rivers State.
When this is done, Rivers State would have created a permanent political bedrock upon which the future of the State will be based.
On Power Rotation to the Riverine, I Stand.
By Barr. Owen Obediah.
Comments