Former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Udengs Eradiri, has called on suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to humble himself and apologise to his estranged political ally and predecessor, Nyesom Wike, in order to resolve the ongoing political crisis in the state.
Speaking out, Eradiri criticised Fubara’s handling of the situation, accusing him of incompetence and of using ethnic sentiments to cover up his political failures.
He blamed the governor for the deepening political rift and warned that it could destabilize the state if not addressed swiftly.
“As for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, he is incompetent, and that is what has brought all this negative energy. He should not involve the Ijaw people in his political disputes. Let him tell us how he has supported Ijaw activities or empowered Ijaw people,” Eradiri said.
The ex-Labour Party candidate strongly advised Fubara to seek reconciliation with Wike, describing him as a powerful political figure who still commands influence.
“I advise Fubara to go and kneel before Wike and beg for forgiveness. Those who are deceiving him have no courage. They go cap in hand to Wike, beg for forgiveness, and then come out pretending to be Ijaw lions,” he said.
Eradiri went on to criticise Fubara’s leadership, claiming the governor had failed to empower Ijaw youths or offer them key positions in his administration, despite now appealing for ethnic loyalty.
“How many Ijaws from Rivers State did he empower during his tenure? How many of the IYC comrades in the Eastern zone were appointed as LGA chairmen, commissioners, or other significant roles?” Eradiri asked.
The former IYC president also turned his criticism to the Ijaw National Congress (INC), accusing the group of undermining its credibility by becoming involved in the political infighting in Rivers.
He urged the INC to distance itself from partisan politics, warning that it was damaging the credibility of the Ijaw people.
“INC should not be romancing governors’ egos. The institution is bigger than any individual. When you diminish it before incompetent governors, it becomes open to ridicule,” he added.
