The RG23 Movement has called on political leaders, traditional rulers and the clergy in Rivers State to allow the riverine Ijaws to complete their two terms in Government House like their counterparts in the uplands have enjoyed since the return of democracy in 1999.
In a statement by the Convener of the group Hon. Pureh Kalango and the Head of Ogonis in the RG23 Movement, Comr. Confidence Idah after a press conference in Port Harcourt, the group declared that the 2027 governorship race must be guided by the principles of equity, fairness and justice to sustain the peaceful political understanding that has held the state together.
According to the statement, the RG23 Movement insisted that their demand transcends political parties and individual interest.
“This is the collective will and aspiration of the Riverine Rivers Ijaw people,” the group said.
The group while presenting the historical balance sheet to back its position noted that since 1999, leaders from the uplands have occupied the governorship seat for 24 years and the deputy governorship for three years, with consistent support from the riverine Ijaws. In contrast, the riverine Ijaws have held the deputy governorship for 24 years and the governorship for only three years.
“This imbalance must be corrected,” the group argued. “Our upland brothers have enjoyed their full two terms with the full backing of the riverine people. It is only fair and just that the riverine Ijaws be allowed to complete their own two terms.”
The movement warned that any attempt to truncate the riverine tenure would amount to rewarding injustice and could fuel division in the state.
They stressed the need to uphold the unwritten but long-respected political delineation between the upland and riverine areas for the sake of stability and peaceful coexistence.
“History is watching, and posterity will judge our actions as we navigate the 2027 elections,” the group added.
The statement noted that the group’s appeal is a clarion call to all stakeholders to rise above partisan sentiments and personal ambitions in the interest of a united and equitable Rivers State.
