Rivers Group Advocates for Riverine Ijaw to Complete Two-Term Governorship by 2027
In a significant political development, stakeholders and parties in Rivers State have been called upon to ensure that the Riverine Ijaw axis completes a two-term tenure in the governorship by 2027, emphasizing principles of fairness, balance, and equity. This appeal comes as concerns mount over the historical distribution of political power in the state, which has predominantly favored upland areas for over two decades until the election of Siminalayi Fubara from the riverine community in 2023.
Historical Imbalances and Current Political Tensions
Since the return to democracy in 1999, upland leaders have held the governorship for 24 years and the deputy governorship for three years, largely supported by the Riverine Ijaw. In stark contrast, the Riverine Ijaw have occupied the deputy governorship for 24 years and the governorship for only three years. This disparity has fueled calls for rectification, especially amid ongoing political differences between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Political observers have raised alarms over reported conditions tied to a recent peace deal, including suggestions that Governor Fubara may not seek a second term. Critics argue that such an arrangement would be unjust to the Riverine ethnic nationalities, undermining the progress made towards equitable power-sharing.
RG23's Appeal for Political Stability
The apex leadership of RG23 (Riverine Governor 2023), a group that championed the power shift to the Riverine Ijaw in 2023, made this appeal on Friday. Conveners Pureh Kalango and Confidence Idah described the moment as critical in the state's political trajectory, stressing the need to preserve historical political balance as the 2027 general elections approach.
Kalango emphasized that the appeal transcends political parties and individual interests, representing a collective aspiration of the Riverine Ijaw people. He warned that sustaining the existing political understanding between upland and riverine blocs is essential for stability, noting that any deviation could fuel division and undermine justice. "Anything to the contrary would amount to rewarding injustice and encouraging division. Posterity will judge the decisions taken as we approach 2027," he stated.
Potential Candidates and Future Implications
If the appeal gains traction, the 2027 governorship contest may feature incumbent Siminalayi Fubara and Boma Iyaye, the Executive Director of Finance and Administration at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), who is a close ally of Minister Nyesom Wike. This scenario highlights the complex interplay of alliances and interests shaping Rivers State's political landscape.
The group urged all stakeholders, including political leaders, traditional rulers, opinion leaders, and the clergy, to respect and sustain the existing political arrangement. They argued that allowing the Riverine Ijaw to complete a two-term tenure, as has been the case with their upland counterparts since 1999, is vital for fostering unity and ensuring long-term peace in the state.
