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From Tony John, Port Harcourt
An advocacy group, Rivers Peace Initiative (RPI), has charged governorship candidates in the 2027 elections to look beyond political parties and campaign promises to focus on the kind of Rivers State citizens want to live in.
The convener of RPI, Obinna Ebogidi, made the disclosure yesterday, in Port Harcourt during the Rivers 2027 Governorship Dialogue with the theme: ‘Rivers 2027: The People’s Agenda.’
Addressing candidates, party leaders, labour representatives, traditional institutions, civil society, and the media, Ebogidi said the dialogue was built around a fundamental question: Beyond who governs Rivers State, what kind of Rivers State do we want to live in?
“It is a question that goes beyond political parties, campaign promises, and the excitement of an election season. It concerns the lives we live today, the opportunities available to our people, the security of our communities, and the future we are preparing for the coming generations,” he said.
He noted that while Rivers State is richly endowed with human talent and natural resources, its true wealth is measured by what residents experience daily, including the quality of schools and hospitals, job opportunities, safe communities, and accountable governance.
The dialogue was convened by RPI in partnership with Super 93.3 FM, the Centre for Peace and Security Studies at the University of Port Harcourt, and the Trade Union Congress, Rivers State branch.
Ebogidi explained that the gathering aimed to create a ‘Citizens’ Charter of Demands’ which is a document shaped by the concerns, aspirations, and development priorities of Rivers people.
“It is a starting point, a common reference against which promises can be discussed, commitments made, and, ultimately, performance assessed,” he said.
Ebogidi urged candidates to engage open-mindedly with the electorate. He also reminded citizens that democracy does not end at the ballot box, adding that true peace requires justice, inclusion, mutual respect, and accountable institutions.
“Political victories are temporary, but the Rivers we all have to live in, is permanent,” Ebogidi declared.
