Residents of Rivers State have called on politicians seeking to govern the state in 2027 to provide concrete solutions to pressing issues such as unemployment, poor infrastructure, and deteriorating public services. This demand was made at a town hall meeting in Port Harcourt, where five governorship candidates signed a 13-point Citizens’ Charter of Demands. The charter outlines residents’ expectations of the next administration, prioritizing education, youth employment, healthcare, housing, environmental protection, agriculture, and economic development.
The town hall meeting, organized by the Rivers Peace Initiative in partnership with Super 93.3 FM and the University of Port Harcourt’s Centre for Peace and Security Studies, brought together residents and governorship candidates. The candidates, representing various political parties, included Ben-Gurion John Peter of the Social Democratic Party, Ivy West of the African Action Congress, Gabriel Pidomson of the African Democratic Congress, Dumale Kieghe of the Peoples Redemption Party, and Minaibim Harry of the National Rescue Movement.
Convener of the Rivers Peace Initiative, Obinna Ebogidi, stated that the meeting aimed to make governance more responsive to citizens’ needs. He argued that despite the state’s oil wealth and natural resources, many residents still suffer from poor living conditions. Ebogidi urged voters to monitor elected officials beyond the elections and demand accountability, emphasizing the need for a more responsive governance system.
During the meeting, the governorship candidates presented their proposals for addressing the state's challenges. Pidomson proposed an economic restructuring agenda centered on industrialization, production, private investment, and job creation. Meanwhile, West unveiled a 12-point program focusing on security, employment, peace, and social welfare. These proposals reflect the candidates' efforts to address the concerns of Rivers State residents.
The Rivers State Police Command has cautioned politicians against violence ahead of the polls. The police spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, warned political parties against turning electoral contests into violent confrontations. She also appealed to youths to reject political thuggery, vote-buying, and electoral malpractice, emphasizing the need for a peaceful electoral process.
The state chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Nnanna Onyekwere, assured that the organization would remain neutral and not endorse any particular candidate. This neutrality is crucial in ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process. The meeting was supported by the Trade Union Congress, which highlights the involvement of various stakeholders in promoting good governance in Rivers State.
The town hall meeting demonstrates the efforts of residents and stakeholders to promote responsive governance in Rivers State. By signing the Citizens’ Charter of Demands, the governorship candidates have committed to addressing the pressing issues facing the state. As the 2027 elections approach, residents and stakeholders will be monitoring the candidates' proposals and implementation plans.
Key points
- Five governorship candidates signed a 13-point Citizens’ Charter of Demands outlining residents’ expectations for the next administration.
- The charter prioritizes education, youth employment, healthcare, housing, environmental protection, agriculture, and economic development.
- The police have cautioned politicians against violence ahead of the polls, emphasizing the need for a peaceful electoral process.
