A former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Udengs Eradiri, has advised the suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, to seek forgiveness from his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, for his perceived “incompetence” which he believes is the root cause of the ongoing crisis in the state.
Eradiri, in a statement, cautioned the governor against “ethnicising” the political conflict. He also alleged that some individuals advising Fubara to oppose Wike are privately seeking favors from the former governor.
“As for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, he is incompetent, and that is what has brought all this negative energy. He should not involve Ijaw in his political issues and affairs. Let him tell us how he has supported the Ijaw or Ijaw activities?” Eradiri stated.
He further questioned Fubara’s support for Ijaw people, asking, “How many Ijaw of Rivers State did he empower that he is demanding Ijaw support now? How many of the IYC comrades in the Eastern zone were LGA chairmen, commissioners, and appointees in his government? Or are all the Ijaw youths of the Eastern Zone only good at supporting political fights but not good enough for appointment and empowerment?”
Eradiri praised Wike’s political style, saying, “Wike is a fighter, and I like his style.” He then advised Fubara, “I advise Fubara to go and kneel before Wike and beg for forgiveness. Those who are deceiving him have no balls. They go cap in hand kneeling and begging same Wike when they get it, they come in the open to claim Ijaw lions. Now, Fubara is the one outside; they are there ranting.”
Eradiri also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the crisis, stating, “Mr. President used the state of emergency to save Fubara and the Ijaw nation the embarrassment of impeachment. He should go thank and appreciate President Bola Tinubu.”
Eradiri recalled Wike’s role in Fubara’s emergence as governor, saying, “When Chief Wike singlehandedly made Fubara Rivers governor, no Ijaw gathered or even went to thank him. Fubara did not buy form or even spoke a word during campaigns. Why should he now be disobeying and reneging on agreement? Men are those who keep their words and abide by agreements.”
