Tonye Cole
Tonye Cole, a governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 elections, has blamed “poor governance and regressive politics” for the state of affairs in Rivers.
Speaking on ‘Morning Brief’, a Channels TV breakfast programme, Cole noted that Lagos and Rivers used to be at par, but that there is now a noticeable chasm between both states.
“There was a time when Rivers and Lagos were at par, but you take a look at them, you will know that there’s a huge difference, and if you ask yourself ‘why?’, you’d see that it has to do with politics and governance,” he said.
“We have not been governed well as a result of the fact that we’ve had politics that has, instead of moving us forward, has taken us backwards. It is because of the character of the people we have had in government over these last couple of years.”
He described past leaders of the state as “loud fighters” and “shouters” who have not taken the state forward.
The APC stalwart added that he will change the leadership trajectory of the state if given the opportunity in 2027.
“We must try a different type of politics and a different type of politician. I believe that I have what it takes to move Rivers state forward, and we are definitely going to do so,” he said.
Cole’s views on Rivers’ politics come as President Bola Tinubu lifts the six-month emergency rule imposed on the state.
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