In a recent development concerning the political landscape of Rivers State, Dan Nwanyanwu, the chairman of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), has voiced strong criticism against what he perceives as undue influence by a single individual over the state’s affairs. Nwanyanwu’s comments were captured in a video broadcast on Symfoni TV From 0:01.
The ZLP chairman drew attention to the stark contrast between Rivers State and other Nigerian states in terms of local government elections. He noted that while numerous states have successfully held these elections without significant issues, Rivers State faces unique challenges.
“Well what has been happening in River State is unfortunate. Unfortunate in the sense that this is not the only state in Nigeria, and it’s not the only state that has been conducting local government elections,” Nwanyanwu stated. He further elaborated, “In fact, in the past two to three weeks, many states have done their own, many are doing next week, and thereafter.”
Nwanyanwu pinpointed the crux of the problem, saying, “But I think the problem in Rivers is that of an individual who claims to be the owner of the state, using the apparatus of government at the federal level to push it through to the point that he dictates what happens in the state, even when there is a sitting governor.”
This statement highlights Nwanyanwu’s concern about an individual allegedly leveraging federal connections to exert control over Rivers State, potentially undermining the authority of the elected governor. The ZLP chairman’s remarks raise important questions about the balance of power between state and federal levels of government and the potential consequences of unchecked influence in state affairs.