Get Guardian on GoogleFIVE governorship candidates in Rivers State have been asked to demonstrate how they intend to address unemployment, poor infrastructure, declining public services and economic challenges, as citizens begin demanding measurable commitments ahead of the 2027 election.
The candidates, representing five political parties, also signed a 13-point Citizens’ Charter of Demands at the seventh edition of the ‘Rivers We Want’ town hall meeting organised in Port Harcourt at the weekend.
Those who signed the charter were Ben-Gurion John Peter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Ivy West of the
African Action Congress (AAC), Gabriel Pidomson of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nature Dumale Kieghe of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and Minaibim Harry of the National Rescue Movement (NRM).
The charter demands urgent government intervention in education, youth employment, environmental protection, housing, agriculture and economic development, among other areas.
Convener of the Rivers Peace Initiative (RPI), Obinna Ebogidi, said the engagement was designed to shift political conversations from campaign rhetoric to citizens’ expectations and the responsibilities of whoever eventually emerges governor.
He said the initiative was not intended to determine whom voters should support but to provide an opportunity for citizens to scrutinise candidates’ programmes and hold them accountable after the election.
Ebogidi said that Rivers State’s enormous natural resources and economic potential had not translated into improved living conditions for many residents, stressing that the next administration’s performance should be measured by the quality of public services and opportunities available to citizens.
Ebogidi, who identified quality education, accessible healthcare, employment opportunities, community safety, responsible management of public resources and accountable institutions as critical indicators of good governance, urged the candidates, including those who did not attend the meeting, to engage with the charter, insisting that the responsibility of governing Rivers State extended beyond securing electoral victory.
He also challenged the residents to sustain their participation in governance beyond election periods by asking questions and demanding accountability from elected officials.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against violence as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Spokesperson of the Command, ASP Blessing Agabe, who represented the police commissioner at the event, cautioned politicians against turning political competition into hostility that could endanger lives.
On his part, the Rivers State Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Nnanna Onyekwere, said that the Council would not endorse any individual governorship candidate. He said that although political parties could independently endorse candidates or enter alliances, IPAC would maintain its neutrality.
However, West presented a 12-point development agenda that centred on peace, employment generation, security and social welfare.
She said her vision was to transform Rivers State into a smart, green and industrial city while ensuring inclusive development.
