The Rivers South-East Renaissance Movement (RISERM) has harps on the need why the Rivers people should consider and zone the position of Governor of Rivers State to Rivers South-East Senatorial District come 2015 general elections.
The group made it position known at a press conference on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.
The Project Coordinator, Barr. Dornu Barida Nwinang said it is expedient for other Senatorial Districts in Rivers State to support the South-East because they are the only zone that have not produce governor since the creation of Rivers State.
Barr. Nwinang explained that the clarion call by the South-East Senatorial District to produce the next governor in 2015 is for justice, equity and sustainable development knowing that there are very credible politicians with good conscience that can pilot the affairs of Rivers State to a greater height.
In a statement made available to journalists at the event, Project Coordinator said they are canvassing for fairplay, equal representation and sense of belonging to all the three Senatorial Districts in the state. He said the Rivers East has produced the governor from 1999-2007 in the person of Sir. Dr. Peter Odili and the Rivers West had produced governor in the person of Sir. Celestine Omehia and Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi who is currently occupying the Brick House, while the Rivers South-East is yet to produce a governor since the creation of the state.
“Among the three senatorial Districts in Rivers State, it is only the Rivers South-East district that has not occupied the exalted office of the governor of Rivers State, we the people of Andoni, Eleme, Gokana, Khana are therefore appealing to the good people of Rivers West and Rivers East Senatorial Districts respectfully to support us in our desire to produce the governor of Rivers State come 2015”, the statement said.
Barr. Nwinang further explained that while various shades of opinions and agitations canvass for the position of the governor come 2015 has ethnic colouration such as the Ijaw ethnic group, the Ogoni Project 2015, the Riverine or upland aspiration, the Rivers South-East Senatorial District fits into all the ethnic requirements.
He posited that the former governor of Rivers State, Chief Rufus Ada George came from the Rivers East and it will be a thing of political negotiation, crossbreeding and justice as supported by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that recognizes geo-political zones or zoning system of political offices so that no zone will feel marginalized or ostracized in the quest to move the state forward.
The Project Coordinator maintained that the Rivers South-East Renaissance Movement will mobilize support, create awareness and enlighten the people of Rivers State to give their support for the governor from the zone for unity, oneness and peace in the state.
Other members of the group are Hon. Nitro Elijas, Mr. Bevenor Lekia Nkporbu, Barr. Godson Tanam and Kingsley Deedua.
Asked if they have any particular candidate at heart, Hon. Ntiro Elijas said they are not for any party or candidate.
What effort is the group making all the political parties to chose their candidate from the zone? he said. “We are using dialogue and appeal”.
Some of the Steering Committee members pleaded for the understanding of other senatorial zones to make their request be a reality. ###
Pius Dukor
