…alleges attempts to impose sectional domination
The Kalabari Dialogue Group (KDG) has condemned the forced denial of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of his right to seek reelection in 2027, alleging attempts by political interests to impose sectional political domination in Rivers State.
In a statement issued after an extraordinary meeting on Thursday and signed by its Director of Communication and Strategy, Mr. Sotonye Ijuye-Dagogo, the group expressed concern over what it described as the growing politics of domination and the erosion of equity and rotational principles in Rivers State.
The group alleged that Governor Fubara was prevented from securing the APC governorship ticket despite what it described as his impressive performance in office, including increased internally generated revenue, execution of major infrastructure projects without borrowing, and efforts to sustain governance amid prolonged political instability.
KDG maintained that Fubara deserved a second term, arguing that his administration had recorded significant achievements despite political challenges, including impeachment threats and the period of emergency rule in the state.
The group particularly praised the governor for initiating the Trans-Kalabari Highway project, describing it as a landmark development for the riverine area.
It also criticized what it described as the governor’s “forced withdrawal” from the APC governorship primaries and called on the party to reverse its decision. It warned that if the decision was not reversed, Rivers people should reject the party at the 2027 governorship election.
The KDG also faulted the emergence of another indigene of Obio/Akpor as the APC governorship candidate, arguing that the move undermined the principle of power rotation among the state’s ethnic nationalities, especially coming barely four years after a former governor from the same local government completed his tenure.
According to the group, the development could fuel resentment and weaken the spirit of inclusiveness on which Rivers State was founded.
On the issue of zoning, the group insisted that the governorship should remain in Rivers-Ijaw, arguing that the rotation which produced Governor Fubara in 2023 should not be terminated prematurely.
It stated that if, for any reason, Fubara was unable to contest, another Rivers-Ijaw candidate should be supported to complete the zoning arrangement.
The group further expressed concern over what it described as the growing use of court actions and political tactics to weaken opposition parties, alleging that such developments were threatening democratic choice in the state and across the country.
KDG also warned against a resurgence of political violence ahead of the 2027 elections, citing recent incidents of violence and arson in parts of the state.
It called on security agencies to ensure that the elections were conducted peacefully and without intimidation, while urging political leaders to avoid actions capable of escalating tensions.
The group appealed to Rivers people to defend the principles of equity, justice, zoning and peaceful coexistence by participating actively in the electoral process.
It also urged youths to reject violence and monetary inducements, stressing the need to work towards a Rivers State that guarantees fairness and equal opportunities for all ethnic nationalities.
The statement was signed by Sotonye Ijuye-Dagogo on behalf of the Kalabari Dialogue Group.
