Diri Urged: Keep Ijaw Uninvolved in Your Dispute With Wike, Eradiri Says
PORT HARCOURT — Former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, has advised Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, to refrain from involving the whole Ijaw community in his struggle for political preservation within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Eradiri, who previously ran as a candidate for the Labour Party (LP) in Bayelsa State, stated that Diri should focus on engaging politically with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, instead of giving the impression that there is conflict between the Ijaw people and Wike. Eradiri suggested that Diri should concentrate on sharpening his political skills alongside Wike rather than portraying an atmosphere of tension.
He expressed regret over individuals like Diri trying to involve an entire ethnicity in unwarranted conflicts and earn disfavor from the Federal Government through their ethnic posturing in purely political issues.
Eradiri, who previously served as the Commissioner for Youth Affairs and subsequently as the Commissioner for Environment in Bayelsa State, stated clearly that he does not belong to anyone affiliated with Wike nor is he seeking the minister's approval. He recounted an attempt to secure Wike's support when running as theLP candidatefor the gubernatorial race in Bayelsa; however, certain individuals close to theMinisterthwarted his efforts.
He stated: "It seems like it was the situation back then since Wike's endorsement might have altered the result of the gubernatorial election. His backing helped Dougie Diri win, as evidenced by this; without canceling Chief Timipre Sylva’s strongholds due to Wike's support, the outcomes could have varied."
That’s precisely why I’m discussing the hypocrisy we see now. When Douye Diri, self-proclaimed 'Governor-General of the Ijaw Nation,' knelt before Wike to receive the power he utilized in Ijaw lands to secure victory over Sylva and me, where was the Ijaw pride they claim so fervently today?
Eradiri asked about the location of today’s supposed Ijaw supporters, considering Wike spent N5 billion on the rundown Law School in Yenagoa, an institution deserted by people who claim they care more for the interests of the Ijaws than others do.
He urged those battling against Wike to visit Port Harcourt in Rivers and see for themselves the impressive law school that Wike constructed in Ikwerre territory.
Eradiri urged those who alleged that Wike had offended the Ijaw nation to revisit the minister's comments and form their own opinions free from prejudice, determining whether the minister’s remarks were indeed grounded in harsh reality.
Eradiri stated: "Just as typical, our community members neither read nor listen. They directly proceeded to the Ijaw square to condemn Wike. Without understanding the matters at hand, they eagerly joined the chorus calling for his condemnation."
Let us even pose this question to ourselves: what is the cause of our backwardness? Why has it not contributed to the advancement and growth of our country and its inhabitants? Why do we only see unity in conflict rather than cooperation for progress?
Consider Yenagoa, the heart of the Ijaw territory, as a location inhabited by erratic individuals, marked by neglected initiatives due to certain Ijaw leadership, lacking any support for advancing the Ijaw nation’s prosperity, enlightenment, and growth.
Our airport is stagnant, and our educational institutions shamefully inadequate. Talents with potential are intentionally stifled instead of being nurtured into prominence; unemployed young people wander aimlessly because of shortsighted governance; they have little reason to feel hopeful about their future. Yet, amidst this despair, many remain actively engaged in fostering unity to combat the politics that keep them impoverished.
There are herders in our shrubs who destroy our crops, yet we lack unity to address this issue. However, these young people can quickly come together when faced with a statement made by the deputy governor, even though they do not assemble for advancement. It seems easier for them to unite against a supposed political adversary.
Eradiri mentioned that Wike abruptly turned into an adversary of the Ijaw people just because he helped take the PDP away from Douye Diri as well as their fellow governors.
"When did the Ijaw people adopt the PDP as their party? Diri needs to address his problems within the PDP instead of involving the Ijaw community in matters that do not affect them," he stated.
Eradiri maintained that the incompetence of the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, was responsible for the crisis in his state and urged the governor to cease ethnicizing the situation.
He stated: "Regarding Governor Siminalayi Fubara, he lacks competence, which has led to all this adverse atmosphere. He ought not to drag the Ijaw people into his political disputes and matters. We would like to know how he has backed the Ijaws or their endeavors."
How many Ijaws from Rivers State has he empowered, considering he is now seeking their backing? Out of all the IYC allies in the East, how many served as local government chairmen, commissioners, or held appointments within his administration?
Could it be that all Ijaw youth from the Eastern Zone excel solely in backing political conflicts rather than being suitable for appointments and empowerment? During Chief Wike’s visit to Abalama, how effectively did Fubara rally his community? Wike is indeed a formidable figure, and I admire his approach.
I suggest Fubara should humble himself and seek forgiveness from Wike. The people misleading him lack courage; they themselves kneel and plead with Wike but later pretend to be Ijaw lions once they benefit from it.
Now, Fubara is the one standing outside as they protest loudly. The president invoked the state of emergency to prevent both Fubara and the Ijaw nation from the humiliation of an impeachment process. He ought to show his gratitude and appreciation towards President Bola Tinubu.
Eradiri remembered that when Wike unilaterally appointed Fubara as the governor of Rivers State, not a single Ijaw person came together or expressed gratitude to him.
"Fubara neither participated in the campaign nor uttered a single word. Why would he choose to defy and go back on his promise now? A man must honor his commitments and stand by them," he stated.
Eradiri criticized how the Ijaw National Congress (INC) managed the situation in Rivers and cautioned the organization about turning political matters into ethnic ones. He maintained that the INC caused this embarrassment for the Ijaw community.
He stated: "The INC did not acknowledge that those backing Wike are also Ijaws. Chiefs and youth from Abalama who came forward to greet Wike, does this mean they have ceased being Ijaw? Are George Kelly and the many Ijaw individuals supported by Wike suddenly not Ijaw anymore?"
The INC shouldn’t indulge in flattering the egos of governors. The organization transcends individual personalities; diminishing it in front of such inept leaders would make the institution vulnerable to mockery and disrespect. No one can claim greater loyalty to the cause than anyone else, hence the INC must safeguard everyone’s interests and steer clear of political entanglements.
None of these governors have done more for the Ijaw Nation than Wike; the meager resources they provide to our communities can hardly be considered significant support. Can’t you observe how Wike has uplifted and empowered his own people? If they wish to compete, let them showcase what they’ve achieved on the ground. Even those who are visually impaired can recognize Wike’s accomplishments throughout our Ijaw homeland.
Eradiri stated that the NDDC Forensic Report exposed how individuals claiming to be supporters of the Ijaw nation plundered the commission and misappropriated funds intended for developing Ijaland. He further noted that these people received payments for contracts but failed to carry out their obligations.
He mentioned that they intentionally kept the sole Ijaw state underdeveloped, pointing out that they dismantled the education system and instead sent their children overseas.
Eradiri commented, "Take a look at the Atala Marginal Field; it belongs to Ijaw State yet was seized from Ijaw youth and sold to non-locals by their own leaders, which has been detrimental to the Ijaws. This resulted in job losses and hindered opportunities for economic development within the Ijaw community."
Observe the darkness prevailing in Ijaw territory, with no strength to foster development. Were it not for the efforts of the NDDC under the leadership of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku—who surpasses them in capability—they would keep trying to undermine his work. Consequently, all our regions would remain shrouded in nighttime obscurity.
Let's please cease turning political matters into ethnic issues; Diri and Fubara should settle their disputes within their political parties without involving the Ijaw nation.
When fortune smiles upon you, you celebrate with joy; when it turns its back, it’s just the Ijaw way. Wike isn’t your foe from Ijaw land; truly, you all are your own worst adversaries.
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