Ann‑Kio Briggs, a member of the Rivers Elders Forum, has sharply criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for its failure to address the prolonged political crises in Rivers State. She argues that the party’s inaction has caused considerable suffering for residents and expresses disappointment as both a stakeholder and an elder. Despite the loyalty of Rivers people to the PDP since 1999, Briggs says the party has not risen to the occasion when it mattered most.
Briggs attributes the PDP’s inability to act decisively to internal divisions and power struggles that have weakened its influence. This negligence, she contends, has worsened the political situation, creating damage that could have been avoided had the party acted responsibly. The 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 turmoil.
Recently, Governor Siminalayi Fubara thanked President Bola Tinubu for brokering peace in Rivers State. Briggs, however, distanced herself from such sentiments, suggesting that politicians may have their own reasons for expressing gratitude. She emphasized that not everyone in Rivers State is grateful to the president or the politicians involved.
According to Briggs, the most significant lesson has been learned by the electorate, who now realize that their rights are more profound than those of the politicians. The crisis has highlighted the need for voters to be aware of their rights and to hold politicians accountable. Her comments underscore the importance of responsible leadership and the necessity 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 for the broader political landscape in Nigeria.
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