Wike, Fubara crisis had no link to Ijaw interest — Eradiri

The political turmoil between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was a dispute within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and not linked to the interests of the Ijaw ethnic group, according to former President of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, Engr. Udengs Eradiri. Eradiri asserted in Port Harcourt that while he voiced this position during the crisis, some Ijaw leaders criticized him for trying to leverage the dispute for political advantage. He praised Governor Fubara for reconciling with his political allies, acknowledging that the conflict had created divisions that would take time to heal. "I appreciate Governor Fubara for going back to his political family. We warned, but they did not listen, and a lot of things happened that will be difficult to reverse," Eradiri stated. He further rejected the notion that Fubara's governorship represented a collective Ijaw decision, pointing out that Wike did not consult the Ijaw people before endorsing Fubara. "When Wike wanted to choose Sir Siminalayi Fubara as the governor, he did not call Ijaw people for a meeting," Eradiri said. He also refuted claims that Wike had become an adversary to the Ijaw people, recalling the minister's significant support for the community during and after the Goodluck Jonathan administration. Eradiri highlighted Wike's role in facilitating appointments for Niger Deltans in the current government, questioning the label of Wike as an Ijaw enemy. He also faulted Fubara for escalating the disagreement, given Wike's instrumental role in his political ascent from the National Youth Service Corps level. "Fubara should be faulted because Wike picked him from the NYSC level till where he is today. So, nobody should know Wike more than Fubara," Eradiri added.

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I appreciate Governor Fubara for going back to his political family. We warned, but they did not listen, and a lot of things happened that will be difficult to reverse.