As conversations around the 2027 general elections gather momentum, a former Presidential Adviser, Engr. Reynolds Beks Dagogo-Jack, has criticised the current political leadership in Rivers State, describing it as incapable of delivering the state to its full potential.

Dagogo-Jack, who served as Senior Special Assistant on Power to former President Goodluck Jonathan, said the state requires a fundamental restructuring of its political foundation to achieve sustainable progress and inclusive governance.

He made these remarks while speaking as guest of honour at a town hall meeting themed “Citizens, Leadership and the Road to 2027: Discussing the Future of Rivers State Beyond the Next Election,” organised by the Rivers Peace Initiative in collaboration with Super 93.3 FM and the Centre for Peace and Security Studies, University of Port Harcourt.

According to him, the existing political structure in the state is defective and incapable of fostering peace, security, and economic growth.
“The progress of every society starts from its leadership, and leadership is rooted in politics. The current format of politics in Rivers State will not take us to the promised land,” he said.
He criticised what he described as attempts by some political actors to personalise governance, warning that such tendencies could breed instability and insecurity.

“We have had leaders in the past who did not seek to convert the state into personal estates. That process is defective. It will not produce harmony or peace, and it will negatively impact the economy,” he added.
Dagogo-Jack lamented that Rivers State, once comparable to Lagos in economic performance, has fallen behind despite its abundant resources. He called for a return to merit-based politics anchored on transparency, humility, and accountability.

“This state was once second to Lagos in many respects, and we even have more resources. We can overtake Lagos if we get it right, but we must rebuild our political foundation on merit, not personal ambition,” he stated.

He also expressed concern over the silence of elders in the state amid declining political and economic fortunes, urging greater civic participation to entrench a more accountable leadership system.
“The notion that a few individuals can determine who becomes governor is offensive. Our elders must speak up. Everyone must be involved in laying a new political foundation that guarantees stability, security, and prosperity,” he said.

In his keynote address, former President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Senibo Bobo Sofiri Brown, said Rivers State currently lacks a clear developmental vision.
He urged the government to harness the state’s maritime potential to drive economic growth.

“You cannot achieve greatness without a clear aspiration. Rivers State must define sectors where it aims to lead. I envision the state as the most efficient maritime economy in West Africa. This is achievable if we strategically develop our seafood and agro-processing industries,” he said.

Earlier, the convener of the Rivers Peace Initiative, Obinna Ebogidi, said the forum was convened to address pressing leadership challenges in the state.
He noted that despite significant resources accruing to Rivers State, development outcomes remain unsatisfactory, calling on citizens to demand greater accountability from leaders.

“The future of Rivers State cannot be secured through blame or silence. Decline happens gradually—when accountability is weak and citizens lower their expectations. We must collectively engage and demand better governance,” he said.