2027: Let power remain in riverine Ijaw, groups appeal to stakeholders

2026-03-27 - 15:34

By Daniel Abia For fairness, balance and equity, power brokers and all political parties in Rivers State have been urged to allow the riverine Ijaws to run two terms as governor of the state in 2027. Making the appeal on Friday, the apex leadership of RG23 “riverine governor 2023” (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, during a world press conference, called on all stakeholders to abide by the appeal. The group said at this critical moment in the history of Rivers State 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”. Conveners of the group, Hon Pureh Kalango and Comrade 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 3 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.” Hon Kalango insisted that this important appeal is beyond political party or person but represents the collective will and aspiration of a people under the riverine Rivers Ijaws. He believes 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 of finance and administration, EDFA, of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Chief Boma Iyaye. Iyaye is the closest political ally to the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.