‘Why Rivers Is Nigeria’s Political Hot Bed’

The President of RIVLEAF,
Hon. Alex Wele says the heated political climate in Rivers State is as a result of its strategic importance to the sustenance of Nigeria’s economy.
Wele who spoke with The Tide at the Obio/Akpor Council Secretariat at the weekend during the first annual convention of a youth-based NGO, Patriotic Youths Leadership Network (PYLN) posited that Rivers State has over the years been yoked by the burden of shouldering Nigeria’s economic development.
He regretted that the state had been neglected over the years in spite of its enormous contributions to the development of the Nigerian economy.
He said, “the interest in Rivers State in terms of National Politics is not as a result of love for the state, but what could be milked out of the state which bears the sobriquet Treasure Base of the Nation”.
The grassroot politician decried the absence of federal projects in Rivers State and stated that Rivers State ought to be the Dubai of Nigeria, by measure of its strategic economic disposition.
Hon. Wele also condemned attempts by some persons to restrict the movement of the Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi to some parts of the state, and described such attempts as breach of the personal and institutional rights of the Governor who is the Chief Executive of the State.
He commended the body for the theme of the Convention, “Nigerian Woe, Leadership or Fellowship?”, and urged Rivers Youths to be proactive, focused and should not be used as pawns in the game of politics.
He described the Rivers State Governor as a true apostle of good governance and a leader who has shown deep commitment to youth development in his policies and programmes.
He also enjoined the youths to participate actively in consolidating the nation’s democracy, adding that they should defend their votes to secure their future.

Taneh Beemene