Kwanee, who is the governorship candidate of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), said the order was aimed at monopolising political power and stifling political space in the state.

Reacting, yesterday, in Port Harcourt after unveiling the deputy governorship candidate of the party, Mrs Brassba Jack, Kwanee said the coming campaign appeared threatened by obnoxious restrictions and regulations issued by the state government, but vowed that his party would not be distracted.

He said: “We cannot be discouraged on this rescue mission. Nevertheless, let us place it on record that the issue of Executive Order 21 by the outgoing Nyesom Wike administration and similar hardline postures in the past are inimical to the growth of business and employment opportunities in our dear state.

“As a party, we view Executive Order 21 as a quest to monopolise political power through monopolising political activities and space in the state. However, we are committed to obeying legitimate laws of the land as we cannot trade security of lives and properties of people living and doing business in the state for anything.

“The political environment in Rivers State is charged and has become more polarised and divisive than ever. This ugly reality has introduced rapid change in interpersonal relationships and the resultant trust effect is a deficit on several fronts in the polity.”

He lamented perceived shift by political leaders in the state from established values and performance standards set by founding fathers that promoted unity, peace, equity and prosperity of the state, describing the degradation of values as a great concern to him.

On his ambition, he said: “My antecedents in leadership and governance as a two-time member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, with the privilege of my humble service to the state as deputy speaker between 2011 and 2015 are credentials of honour and loyalty to the interests of our people.”

Hence, my presence in the political space in the race to 2023 should reinforce our hopes and aspirations as Rivers people. It should also serve as a connecting hub to truly take power back to the people and restore human dignity.”