The governorship candidate of Democratic Leadership Alliance(DLA), Hon. Warigbani Ezekiel, says Rivers people will decide Gov. Siminialayi Fubara’s successor, not any “rainbow coalition.”
The governorship candidate stated this in a release in reaction to a statement credited to the former Governor of the state now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike that any Rivers man or woman who does not join his rainbow coalition can’t get any elective position from Governor, Senate, House of Reps, Assembly, Local Government chairman to councillor.
Ezekiel said; “Rivers State is not a political experiment. It is home to over 3 million people, 23 LGAs, and a history of choosing leaders through votes — not deals made in secret rooms and moderated by any self-styled “Emperor.”
“As 2027 approaches and Gov. Sim Fubara steps back from the contest, many voices are speaking. But let one truth be clear: *Rivers people will decide Fubara’s successor, not any “rainbow coalition.”*
“Coalitions have a place in democracy. But Rivers has been down that road before. Coalitions built on Abuja tables, Port Harcourt hotel rooms, and the interests of a few power brokers. Coalitions that produce “anointed” candidates the people never meet until posters flood our streets.That era must end.
“The mandate of Rivers South East Senatorial District and the Riverine region is not property to be shared among political traders. It is a trust given by market women in Mile 3, fishermen in Buguma, farmers in Etche and Ogoni, students in UniPort, and elders in Opobo.
“Equity, rotation, and continuity are not slogans for negotiation. They are the covenant that keeps Rivers united.
“Whoever becomes governor must know our terrain. Must respect the unfinished bridges, schools, and health centres already budgeted. Must speak the language of the creek and the language of Government House. Must have the discipline to track every naira and the stamina to finish what was started.
“That decision belongs to ballot boxes in Andoni, Khana, Emohua, Degema, Oyigbo, Obio-Akpor, Etche, Gokana, Opobo/Nkoro, and every ward in Rivers State. Not to a rainbow coalition.
“*Rivers people are watching. Rivers people will vote. Rivers people will decide.*
“On that day, no coalition, no matter how colorful, can override the will of the people.
“Because Rivers First. Rivers Always”, he concluded.
