Is Rivers State Breaking Its Upland-Riverine Rotation?

Rivers State has long followed an unwritten rotation between its Upland and Riverine zones to manage diversity and maintain peace. For two terms, one zone holds power before handing it to the other. This tradition kept tensions low among Ijaw, Ikwerre, Ogoni, Etche and other communities. Between 2007 and 2023, the Ikwerre held the governorship for 16 years. The return to Riverine leadership in 2023 under Siminalayi Fubara seemed to restore balance. But internal party disputes cut Fubara’s term short and halted the Riverine cycle after just one term. Breaking this understanding risks undermining trust in the political process. When power shifts become decisions driven by personal rivalries, voters may lose faith. In a state where oil production and investment depend on stability, fairness must guide governance. As Rivers State approaches the 2027 polls, the question remains: will zoning return or will narrow interests prevail? Restoring rotation could strengthen unity and boost development. Fairness, not just performance, should shape the future.

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