Away from politics and politicking, there is a need to return Rivers State back to the treasure base of the Nation.
Years ago during the tenure of Sir Dr. Peter Odili, melodious songs from Rivers State Television, RSTV brings to our ears the various beautiful languages that are resident in Rivers State, the food, the language, the dress and the serenity that greets the evening even as a young adult life was not perfect but beautiful.
Oil and Gas was still being explored in Bonny, Eleme and other areas of the state but oil exploration did not bring the night life to a stand still.
Police patrol vehicles moved intermediately on major roads ensuring safety of citizens even when power supply was not as regular as we have it now but the street lights on roads were powered up.
The cold breeze after rainfall or the harmattan breeze does not not stop the combination of fisherman soup and locally made fufu made from cassava or the combination of pounded yam and plantain.
People from other states planned and made Rivers State their holiday destination because of the good stories of pleasant holiday experience and exciting night life.
During the day, Rivers Men wake up to their responsibilities as fathers, husbands and brothers. Dignity of labour led the way as men went to work in the civil service, farms, workshops and Rivers.
Our environment filled with beautiful trees that provided shade from the different elements are no longer there. Criminal elements from other states have infiltrated the treasure base and because of the political tussles, brothers no longer trust each other.
Sisters are now daggers drawn because of political affiliations and children no longer identify themselves based on tribes any longer but on political views.
It’s so disheartening that we don’t know the difference between Ikwerre, Etche and Ogoni garri any longer because our mothers are no longer farming. Our local varieties of fish are now expensive because our Rivers are polluted and insecure.
Rivers State needs to be returned as the treasure base, the elected Local Government Chairmen should focus on governance and avoid making political statements that would further heat up the polity.
Street sweepers and cleaners should be brought back to return Port Harcourt to its former glory as the garden city.
The various security Operatives should focus on securing our environment instead of scaring away those who enjoy night life in different parts of the state. Street lights on our roads should be fixed, our streets should be swept, gutters and drainages should be desilted.
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Rivers Politicians should take a cue from Lagos State, despite the political maneuvering and disagreements, governance and social life of the state does not suffer.
Those playing politics should do so in a safe way but allow good governance to return to Rivers State. The National Media should remove the negative spotlight from Rivers State the same way they removed the spotlight from Imo State and Anambra State.
We want a state where children can still visit amusement parks, and have celebrations no matter how small in cheerful and happy surroundings. We want our Port Harcourt Zoo to be functional, we want government subsidized transport schemes for students.
We want to enjoy the treasure base of the Nation where fried rice, Bole and fisherman soup could be enjoyed without the fear of insecurity, harassment or one form of negative news.
Rivers State is still blessed with Good People, let us arise and make the state great.
