Renowned Rivers State-born environmental and human rights activist, Ann Kio Briggs, has raised serious concerns over the ongoing political developments in Rivers State, warning that recent events may not favor the long-term political interests of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Briggs expressed dissatisfaction with the current political atmosphere in Rivers State, particularly regarding the growing influence of certain political figures within the state’s power structure.
According to Briggs, Rivers people already know the leaders they support and have mentally decided who they intend to vote for ahead of the forthcoming elections.
“Rivers people have decided who they will vote for and whom they have supported,” she stated during the television interview.
Her remarks come amid fresh political developments within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, following the announcement by Siminalayi Fubara that he would no longer participate in the party’s governorship primary election.
Governor Fubara explained that although withdrawing from the race was a difficult personal decision, he remained committed to supporting whoever eventually emerges as the APC governorship candidate in Rivers State.
Before Fubara’s withdrawal, prominent APC governorship aspirant Tonye Cole had also stepped away from the contest, creating further political tension and speculation within the party’s structure in the state.
Reacting to these developments, Ann Kio Briggs alleged that the political direction of Rivers State is increasingly being shaped by powerful individuals behind the scenes.
During the interview, she accused Nyesom Wike of wielding enormous political influence within Rivers State, claiming that the level of control being exercised over political affairs resembles that of an emperor.
Briggs further argued that the concentration of political power around a few individuals is affecting party processes, leadership decisions, and the democratic structure within the state.
She maintained that recent withdrawals, endorsements, and political alignments reflect deeper political arrangements currently taking place within Rivers State ahead of the governorship election.
The activist concluded by insisting that despite ongoing political maneuvering, the people of Rivers State have already formed strong opinions regarding the candidates and political direction they wish to support moving forward.
