Ann-Kio Briggs, a member of the Rivers Elders Forum, has criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for failing to address the prolonged political crises in Rivers State. According to Briggs, the party’s inaction has led to significant suffering for the state’s residents. She expressed her disappointment as a stakeholder and elder, stating that despite the loyalty of Rivers people to the PDP since 1999, the party has not risen to the occasion when it mattered most.
Briggs attributed the PDP’s inability to act decisively to internal divisions and power struggles, which have weakened the party’s influence. She noted that this negligence has worsened the political situation in Rivers State, resulting in damage that could have been avoided if the PDP had acted responsibly. The party’s failure to address these issues has allowed the crisis to deepen, with both the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC) playing roles in the situation.
Recently, Governor Siminalayi Fubara expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for brokering peace in Rivers State. However, Briggs distanced herself from such sentiments, suggesting that politicians may have their own reasons for being thankful. She emphasized that not everyone in Rivers State is grateful to the president or the politicians involved. Instead, Briggs believes that the most significant lesson has been learned by the electorate, who have come to realize that their rights are more profound than those of the politicians.
The crisis in Rivers State has highlighted the need for the electorate to be aware of their rights and to hold politicians accountable. Briggs’ comments underscore the importance of responsible leadership and the need for political parties to prioritize the interests of the people. As the situation in Rivers State continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the PDP and other parties will respond to the challenges facing the state. The outcome will have significant implications for the people of Rivers State and the broader political landscape in Nigeria.
