By Anyanate Ephraim
As conversations around the future leadership of Rivers State intensify, it is understandable that many political actors and commentators are presenting their preferred candidates with passion and conviction.
One such argument is the growing narrative around the governorship ambition of Kingsley Chinda and the suggestion that his emergence represents the best path forward for Rivers State.
No one can deny Hon. Chinda’s experience, legislative exposure, or contributions to national politics. He has built a reputation as an articulate lawmaker and a visible political figure.
However, the future of Rivers State cannot and should not be reduced to the ambition of one individual or the dominance of one ethnic bloc.
Rivers State is one of the most politically and culturally diverse states in Nigeria. Its strength has always rested on inclusion, balance, coexistence, and mutual respect among its many ethnic nationalities.
Any political arrangement that appears to concentrate power repeatedly within a particular ethnic group risks deepening existing divisions and creating new grievances.
The state has not reached a stage where one ethnic nationality should dominate the political structure while others watch from the sidelines. That is not progress. That is not unity. And that certainly is not the inclusive future Rivers people deserve.
For years, Rivers people have spoken against marginalization, exclusion, and political monopolization. It would therefore be contradictory for the state to embrace a political culture where leadership rotates only within a narrow circle while other capable sections of the state remain perpetually excluded from the highest office.
True democracy is not about producing the loudest or most nationally connected politician. It is about fairness, equity, and giving every section of society a genuine sense of belonging.
The argument that one candidate possesses federal connections, national visibility, or political networks cannot be enough justification to ignore the sensitive ethnic and political balancing that sustains peace in Rivers State. Political stability is built not merely on influence in Abuja, but on justice and inclusion at home.
Rivers State today needs healing, yes—but healing cannot come through perceived ethnic consolidation of power.
Reconciliation cannot thrive where many communities feel the political space is gradually being narrowed in favour of one dominant interest.
The next phase of leadership in Rivers State must deliberately reflect the diversity of the state. It must send a clear signal that every ethnic nationality matters, every region counts, and no group has a permanent claim to power.
That is the only way to build trust across communities and prevent the dangerous feeling of exclusion that often fuels political resentment.
The future of Rivers State should be anchored on competence and fairness together—not competence used as a justification for ethnic political dominance.
There are competent leaders across all parts of Rivers State. There are credible technocrats, experienced administrators, seasoned politicians, and visionary young leaders from various ethnic backgrounds who are equally capable of governing effectively.
The governorship should therefore not become an ethnic entitlement project disguised as political strategy.
At this critical moment, Rivers people must ask deeper questions: What kind of political culture do we want to build? Do we want a state where power circulates fairly among different groups, or one where political dominance gradually becomes institutionalized? Do we want unity built on inclusion, or stability imposed through political superiority?
History has shown repeatedly that societies progress faster when leadership opportunities are broadly inclusive. Diversity strengthens governance. Inclusion deepens legitimacy. Fairness sustains peace.
No ethnic group in Rivers State is superior to another. No section alone can carry the destiny of the state. Rivers belongs to all its people equally.
As the political process unfolds, parties must resist the temptation to pursue narrow calculations that may deepen ethnic anxieties.
What Rivers State needs now is a leadership arrangement capable of uniting the entire state—not one that could unintentionally reinforce fears of exclusion and dominance.
The future must belong to all Rivers people, not to one ethnic bloc. That is the path toward genuine progress, lasting peace, and sustainable development.
Dr Anyanate Ephraim was a former Personal Physician to Col Shehu, Go Capt Sam Ewang and Dr Peter Odili
aephraim@doctors.org.uk
