Political stakeholders and parties in Rivers State have been urged to allow the Riverine Ijaw axis to complete two terms in the governorship by 2027 in the interest of fairness, balance and equity.

The call follows concerns that, for over two decades, political power remained in the upland areas until the emergence of Siminalayi Fubara, from the riverine community, as governor in 2023.

However, amid the political differences between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Fubara, political observers have raised concerns over reported conditions tied to a recent peace deal, including suggestions that the governor may not seek a second term. They argue that such an arrangement would be unfair to the Riverine ethnic nationalities.

It would be recalled that since the return to democracy in 1999, upland leaders have held the governorship for 24 years and the deputy governorship for three years, largely with the support of the Riverine Ijaw. In contrast, the Riverine Ijaw have occupied the deputy governorship for 24 years and the governorship for only three years.

The appeal was made on Friday by the apex leadership of RG23 (Riverine Governor 2023), a group that championed the power shift to the Riverine Ijaw in 2023. The group urged all stakeholders to respect and sustain the existing political arrangement.

RG23 described the moment as critical in the state’s political trajectory, noting that as the 2027 general elections approach, there is a need to allow the Riverine Ijaw to complete a two-term tenure, as has been the case with their upland counterparts since 1999.

Conveners of the group, Pureh Kalango and Confidence Idah, said the state was again at a crossroads, stressing that historical political balance must be preserved.

“It is on the basis of this record, and the compelling need for equity, fairness and justice that bind the people of Rivers State, that this appeal is made to political leaders, traditional rulers, opinion leaders and the clergy,” they said.

Kalango added that the appeal transcends political parties and individual interests, describing it as 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 said.

If the appeal gains traction, the 2027 governorship contest may feature the incumbent, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Boma Iyaye.

Iyaye is a close ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.