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Engr. Udengs Eradiri, a former President of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide and a Fellow of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), has called out suspended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for failing to demonstrate sincere commitment to the reconciliation process needed to resolve the ongoing political crisis in the state. Eradiri’s remarks come amid growing concerns about the politicisation of efforts to restore democratic governance in Rivers, which has been under a state of emergency since March 18, 2025, following a bitter feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking to journalists, Eradiri expressed deep disappointment over Fubara’s apparent lack of effort to deepen reconciliation talks after an initial meeting with Wike, his estranged political godfather. The crisis, which began in 2023 when Fubara started asserting his independence, has paralysed governance in the oil-rich state, leading to the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The President appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator to restore order, but the move has been challenged by 11 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors in a Supreme Court case questioning its constitutionality.
Eradiri, a respected figure who previously served as Commissioner for Youths and later Environment in Bayelsa State, revealed he was “disturbed, shocked, and surprised” to learn that Fubara had not held follow-up meetings with key stakeholders, including the Speaker of the suspended House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, members of the Assembly, aggrieved Rivers elders, and former local government chairmen who were once part of the same political family. These stakeholders, many of whom are loyal to Wike, are critical to resolving the crisis and restoring peace in the state.
Quoting a recent media chat by Wike, Eradiri highlighted the FCT Minister’s claim that Fubara was engaging in “reconciliation on television and radio” rather than taking concrete steps to mend fences. “This for me is a low mark and does not sit well with the required antidote to resolve the crisis and return democracy to Rivers,” Eradiri said, criticising the governor’s approach as superficial and lacking the depth needed to address the root causes of the conflict. He warned that such “optics of showmanship” could derail the fragile peace process and prolong the state’s political turmoil.
Eradiri also pointed to the behaviour of Fubara’s supporters, who he accused of undermining reconciliation efforts by resuming “singing and dancing” and making remarks that cast aspersions on Wike and other stakeholders. “Suddenly, those who called themselves Fubara’s have resumed their shows where they make remarks and cast innuendos inimical to any peace process,” he said, urging the governor to rein in his supporters and discourage actions that could worsen the crisis. He described such behaviour as “political showbiz and busybody” that had already escalated tensions in the state and contributed to the declaration of emergency rule.
Offering practical advice, Eradiri called on Fubara to take ownership of the reconciliation process by engaging directly with key figures in the state’s political landscape. He stressed the importance of leadership and sincerity, urging the governor to move beyond public gestures and focus on building trust with those who hold significant influence in Rivers politics. “Fubara must show leadership by owning the reconciliation process and avoiding actions capable of truncating the Rivers peace process,” he said, emphasising that genuine dialogue was the only way to achieve lasting peace.
One critical step Eradiri proposed was for Fubara to work with PDP governors to withdraw the Supreme Court case challenging the emergency rule. The lawsuit, filed by 11 PDP governors, has complicated efforts to resolve the crisis, as the matter is now sub judice, limiting President Tinubu’s ability to intervene directly. “There is nothing the President can do on this matter because that case at the Supreme Court has tied his hands,” Eradiri explained. “Fubara is expected to reach out to the governors to withdraw the matter as part of the reconciliation process.” He argued that this move would demonstrate Fubara’s commitment to peace and pave the way for his potential reinstatement.
Eradiri also issued a stark warning about the consequences of failing to pursue genuine reconciliation. He cautioned that if Fubara is reinstated without resolving the underlying tensions, the “bad blood” between him and Wike’s camp could lead to renewed conflict and even impeachment. “Lack of reconciliation will only return the state to a violent path and make nonsense of the emergency rule instituted to save him from impeachment,” he said, referencing the earlier attempt by 27 pro-Wike lawmakers to remove Fubara from office in 2023. The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) recently echoed this sentiment, warning Fubara that only sincere reconciliation efforts could prevent his impeachment.
The crisis has already taken a toll on Rivers State, with governance grinding to a halt and public protests erupting both in support of and against Fubara. On April 22, 2025, hundreds of Fubara’s supporters took to the streets, demanding his reinstatement, while earlier incidents, such as a walkout by women believed to be loyal to Fubara during an event attended by the wife of the sole administrator, Theresa Ibas, further strained relations. Wike condemned the walkout as an insult to President Tinubu and accused Fubara of sponsoring it, highlighting the deep mistrust between the two camps.
Despite these challenges, there have been glimmers of hope. Reports indicate that Fubara has made reconciliatory moves, including a visit to Wike’s residence in Abuja on April 18, 2025, where he reportedly apologised and prostrated before his former mentor. The meeting, facilitated by former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba and current Governor Dapo Abiodun, was described as a significant step toward peace. Fubara also met with President Tinubu in London, further fueling speculation about a possible resolution. However, Eradiri’s comments suggest that these efforts have not been followed up with the necessary engagement to sustain the peace process.
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria has also called for the establishment of an independent Truth and Reconciliation Committee to address the crisis, arguing that a neutral platform is needed to ensure fairness and prevent victimisation of any party. Meanwhile, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor has cautioned Fubara against compromising the state’s interests in his pursuit of peace, reflecting the delicate balance the governor must strike.
As Rivers State remains under emergency rule, with Vice Admiral Ibas overseeing governance, the pressure is on Fubara to demonstrate the sincerity Eradiri and others are calling for. The outcome of the Supreme Court case and the willingness of both Fubara and Wike to prioritise the state’s interests over personal grievances will determine whether Rivers can return to democratic governance or remain mired in conflict. For now, Eradiri’s message is clear: only genuine reconciliation can save Rivers State from further turmoil and ensure a peaceful future for its people.
Source: PRUDENTJ2
