A group under the aegis of the Riverine Governor 2023 (RG23) movement has called on political parties and stakeholders in Rivers State to allow riverine Ijaws to complete two terms in office as governor ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group said such an arrangement would promote fairness, balance, and equity in the political leadership of the state.
The appeal was made during a press conference in Port Harcourt by the movement, which had previously championed the power shift to the riverine Ijaw axis in 2023 alongside its affiliate groups.
Addressing journalists, conveners of the group, Pureh Kalango and Confidence Idah, said the call was necessary to maintain political stability and uphold the principle of equity between the upland and riverine areas of the state.
They noted that since the return to democracy in 1999, upland politicians have held the governorship for 24 years and served as deputy governor for three years, while riverine Ijaws have largely occupied the deputy governorship position for 24 years and held the governorship for only three years.
“As we approach the 2027 general elections, we urge that the Riverine Ijaws be allowed to complete their two terms, just as our upland brothers have done,” the group said.
The conveners stressed that the appeal transcends political affiliations and reflects the collective aspiration of the riverine Ijaw people, warning that failure to maintain the existing political balance could deepen divisions within the state.
They added that preserving the unwritten zoning arrangement between upland and riverine areas is critical for sustaining peace and unity in Rivers State.
The group noted that if the appeal is upheld, the 2027 governorship contest may feature incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Boma Iyaye.
Iyaye is considered a close ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Blessing Ibunge
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