Rivers state is made up of both riverine and Uplanders of the Kalabaris,Wakirikes,Ibanis,Andonis,Nkoro,and the Opobos as constituting the Ijaw tribe.

Secondly,the Ikweres,Ekpeyes,Oduals,Abuans,Ogonis,and the Oyigbos constituting the Upland extraction of the state.
While all ethnic nationalities are politically unic and displays a great level of sophistry;one major tribe stands out in deciding who becomes Governor in any election since Rivers state was created. And that tribe is the "WAKIRIKES". This assertion is not just a mere political gimmick but practical.

First,in 1983,Chief Melford Obene Okilo,(late)in one of his campaigns in Okrika for second term declared it,and it was so.

Secondly,one of their own,Chief Rufus Ada George,became Governor, riding on Okilo's political horse.

Third,Chief Dr.Peter Odili,also ride on the prowess of the Wakirikes to become Governor.

Again,Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi,the most arrogant,thought he can do without them,but in his bid for second term,it dawn on him which forced him to campaign for on three different days,the first in the history of politics in Nigeria.

Further more,the current governor, Chief Barr.Nyesom Ezebuwo Wike, having known the God given capacity to make or Mar of the WAKIRIKES has ever since ascending the throne, held on to them.

It is often said in some quarters that "anyone who ignores the WAKIRIKES in a bid to becoming the Governor, is at his or her own perile"and can never be.

THE "WAKIRIKES" ARE THE INFLUENCERS OF WHO BECOMES GOVERNOR IN RIVERS STATE.

Burukpe, you have just written balderdash.