Former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Udengs Eradiri, has urged the embattled Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, to approach the ongoing reconciliation process in the state with sincerity and maturity, warning against politicising a matter critical to the restoration of democratic order in the oil-rich state.
Eradiri, who previously served as Commissioner for Youths and later Environment in Bayelsa State, expressed concern over what he described as Governor Fubara’s lack of genuine commitment to fostering peace and stability in Rivers State. He made the remarks in a statement issued on Wednesday from Port Harcourt, noting that the governor’s actions thus far suggest a preference for public spectacle over substantive engagement.
According to him, after an initial meeting with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and his former political ally, Nyesom Wike, Governor Fubara had failed to follow through with meaningful engagements involving other key stakeholders. These, he noted, include the Speaker and members of the suspended Rivers State House of Assembly, aggrieved political elders, and local government chairmen—all of whom played significant roles in the political structure that brought him to power.
“I was deeply disappointed to learn that Governor Fubara has not made further efforts to deepen the reconciliation process since his initial meeting with Wike. He has yet to engage major actors such as the legislative arm and party elders who were part of his political journey,” Eradiri said.
Referencing a recent media chat by Chief Wike, Eradiri described the former governor’s comments—particularly the claim that Fubara was conducting reconciliation through television and radio appearances—as revealing. He stressed that the ongoing crisis in Rivers requires a genuine, behind-the-scenes political healing process and not what he termed “public showmanship.”
Eradiri advised the governor to take full ownership of the reconciliation efforts and demonstrate real leadership rather than allow his supporters to engage in media campaigns and political performances that further escalate tensions in the state. He warned that the kind of public theatrics currently playing out among some of Fubara’s loyalists could derail any hope of long-lasting peace.
“Those who parade themselves as Fubara’s loyalists have resumed their political songs and dances, making unguarded comments and throwing jabs that are counterproductive to any reconciliation process. The governor must discourage this kind of political showbiz, which only deepens the crisis,” he added.
The former IYC leader also called on Fubara to look beyond internal politics and engage fellow governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regarding the pending suit at the Supreme Court over emergency rule in Rivers. According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s hands are tied due to the subjudice nature of the case, and the onus lies on Fubara to persuade his party members to withdraw the suit as a concrete step towards resolving the impasse.
“There is little the President can do under these legal circumstances. It is up to Governor Fubara to take bold steps by initiating discussions with PDP governors to drop the matter at the Supreme Court. This move could open the door for a political resolution and return stability to the state,” he stated.
Eradiri further warned that without genuine reconciliation, any reinstatement of Fubara could prove futile, as lingering grievances might resurface and potentially lead to his impeachment. He maintained that superficial settlements would only recycle tension and possibly plunge Rivers State back into political unrest.
“Failure to pursue true reconciliation will merely paper over deep divisions. It may eventually result in renewed hostilities or even constitutional crisis. It is important that Fubara recognises this and takes responsibility for healing the cracks before it’s too late,” Eradiri concluded.
