2027: Group Seeks Retention of Power in Riverine Rivers Ijaw

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt 

A group under the aegis of Riverine Governor 2023 (RG23) movement, has urged all political parties and other stakeholders in Rivers State to allow riverine Ijaws to run two terms as governor of the state in 2027.

The group noted that if allowed, it will amount to fairness, balance and equity in the political leadership of the State.

The RG23 movement, the foremost and leading group that led the appeal for a power-shift to the Riverine Ijaw axis in 2023 in conjunction with all its affiliate groups, made the appeal, during a press conference, held in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

The group said, “As we approach the 2027 general elections to ensure the Riverine (Rivers Ijaws) be allowed to complete their two terms like our upland brothers have done since 1999.”

Addressing journalists, conveners of the group, Pureh Kalango and Confidence Idah, said, “today we are again at such a crossroad in Rivers State and the choice before us is clear that since the advent of democracy in 1999, our upland brothers have done 24 years as Governor and 3 years as Deputy Governor with the full support of the Riverine Ijaws while the Riverine Rivers Ijaws have done 24 years as deputy governor and three years as governor. 

“It is on this premise of the above record and the divine need for equity fairness and justice that has bonded the Rivers people that this clarion call to all political leaders, traditional rulers, opinion leaders and clergy is being made.”

Kalango, insisted that the appeal is beyond political party or person but represents the collective will and aspiration of a people under the Riverine Rivers Ijaws.

He expressed the belief that for political stability under the unwritten peaceful political delineation between the upland and riverine is maintained, insisting “anything otherwise would be rewarding injustice and fueling division. History waiting, posterity will judge as we navigate 2027 in Rivers State,” he said.

If the appeal of RG23 is granted, the battle for who becomes the governor of Rivers State in 2027 will be between the incumbent, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and the executive director Finance and administration (EDFA), of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Boma Iyaye.

Iyaye is the closest political ally to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike.