Rivers Belongs to Its People Not One Man — Kio-Briggs Fires Back at Wike -Gossip News Now

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Renowned Niger Delta activist and member of the Rivers State Elders Forum, Ann Kio-Briggs, has sharply criticized comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, concerning the political future of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Speaking in an interview with Punch, Kio-Briggs described Wike’s declaration that he would prevent Fubara from securing a second term in 2027 as alarming and detrimental to the interests of Rivers State and its residents.

Addressing the intensifying political standoff between the former governor and his successor, Kio-Briggs stressed that no individual has the authority to dictate the political destiny of an entire state.

She emphasized that Wike, while a former governor and a son of Rivers State, does not possess absolute control over the state or its electorate.

According to her, it is impossible for any politician to command total loyalty anywhere in Nigeria—or in any part of the world—regardless of influence or intimidation.

She insisted that Rivers State is not the personal property of any political figure and that its people cannot be owned or controlled by anyone.

Kio-Briggs further defended Governor Fubara’s mandate, stating that only the electorate has the constitutional right to determine who governs them.

She noted that as things stand, Siminalayi Fubara remains the duly elected governor of Rivers State, having secured the majority mandate of the people.

Political Ambition Must Not Threaten Stability

Condemning what she described as threats aimed at derailing Fubara’s re-election bid, Kio-Briggs warned that such rhetoric endangers peace, democratic values, and stability in Rivers State.

She argued that attempts to intimidate or pre-determine the state’s political future amount to an indirect threat against the people themselves and are unacceptable.

According to her, Rivers residents should not be subjected to unnecessary tension and hardship driven by personal political ambitions.

The activist stressed that the majority of Rivers people are more concerned about peace, unity, and effective governance than political power struggles.

She said that from her interactions across the state, a significant number of residents continue to express support for Governor Fubara and desire a calm political environment.

Kio-Briggs added that the people of Rivers State want the freedom to democratically choose their leaders without coercion or interference.

She maintained that if Fubara ultimately remains the preferred choice of the electorate, only divine intervention—not political intimidation—could alter that decision.

In closing, she called on all political stakeholders to place the collective peace and progress of Rivers State above partisan interests.

Kio-Briggs urged every genuine son and daughter of the state, regardless of political affiliation, to work toward maintaining peace and stability.