A Rivers Political Group under the auspices of Rivers Renaissance Restoration has issued formal statement, vehemently condemning and rejecting the orchestrated attempt by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to install his kinsman, Hon. Kingsley O. Chinda, as the Governor of Rivers State in 2027.
In a statement in Port Harcourt the group said “we find it profoundly hypocritical that the same individual who championed “equity, fairness, and justice” at the national level—insisting on a power shift between the North and South—is now actively working to subvert those same principles within his own state.
The “Deceiver-in-Chief” and the Death of Equity
Nyesom Wike has earned the title of “Deceiver-in-Chief.” After screaming from the rooftops that the South must lead because the North had completed eight years, he is now attempting to perpetuate an ethnic and senatorial monopoly in Rivers State.
By pushing for Hon. Kingsley Chinda—who hails from the same Obio-Akpor LGA and the same Rivers East Senatorial District—Wike is showing a blatant disregard for the Upland/Riverine dichotomy and the senatorial rotation that ensures peace in our state.
The Statistics of Marginalization
Rivers State is built on a delicate balance. However, the historical data shows a widening gap in representation:
* Upland vs. Riverine: Since 1979,
Riverine leaders: (Okilo, Ada-George, Fubara) have held power for approximately 9 years,
while Upland leaders (Odili, Amaechi, Wike) have dominated for 24 years.
* Senatorial Disparity:
* Rivers East: 16 Years (Omehia, Amaechi, Wike)
* Rivers West: 8 Years (Odili)
* Rivers South-East: 4 Years (Fubara – Current)
For Wike to suggest another Ikwerre man or another candidate from Rivers East is not just politically tone-deaf; it is a moral outrage. Wike himself once famously sidelined Right Hon. Austin Okpara, arguing that because Ikwerre had done 12 years, it would be “politically and morally wrong” for another Ikwerre man to govern. What has changed, other than Wike’s own insatiable thirst for control?
Allegations of Judicial and Electoral Manipulation
The RRR notes with concern the reports by Sahara Reporters alleging the distribution of choice Abuja lands and $50,000 bribes to senior INEC officials. We believe these maneuvers are designed to replicate the allegedly rigged outcomes of the 2023 elections and the bypass of the will of the Rivers people to install Hon. Chinda kinsman and his associates, Senator Samuel Anyanwu in Imo State.
A Call to Action
Wike is using political and judicial influence to emasculate and strangulate local politicians who fear hunger or lack principles. He has become the “weapon fashioned against Rivers State,” prioritizing personal control over the state’s development and stability.
Rivers Renaissance Restoration calls on all Rivers people—especially the Ijaws, Ogonis and others —to wake up to these antics. We must resist the attempt to turn our state into a personal fiefdom.
Rivers East cannot and will not produce the Governor in 2027. We stand for justice. We stand for the rotation of power. We stand for Rivers State.