By Brave Dickson
An Okrika-born politician, Hon Sam Ateke has predicted his preferred ethnic groups for Rivers governor in 2023.
The Social Democratic Party candidate in the last general elections for House of Assembly in the state said in as much as all tribes have the constitutional right to produce the next governor including Okrika, he will prefer either Kalabari or Ogoni to clinch the seat.
The politician who told our correspondent that his preference for either Ogoni or Kalabari is based on fairness also advised interested individuals to start preparing now.
He said: “When it comes to 2023 governor, I think it is time for the riverine especially Kalabari or Ogoni to produce.
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“The Ikwerres have ruled us for a long time now, it is time for the governorship seat to shift to another ethnicity.
“Talking about the Okrikans where I come from, yes, we also have the right to produce the governor in 2023 and I believe that one or two persons are preparing themselves to come out.
“But I think, the right place the governor should come from is Kalabari or Ogoni.
“If we really want to be fair, the Ogonis or the Kalabaris should produce the next governor.
“My advice to anyone who wants to be the next governor is to start preparing now.
“Start talking to electorate across the 23 local government areas indirectly and make them buy into your governorship dream.
“Also do good things for them that will make them like and prefer you to other candidates when the time comes.
This approach is better than starting during the heat of the polity in 2023.”
