Political tensions escalate as LP’s Eradiri speaks out Udengs Eradiri, former Labour Party gubernatorial candidate in Bayelsa State’s 2023 elections, has urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State to seek reconciliation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in order to resolve the intensifying political unrest in the state. Eradiri, who spoke on the matter in a widely circulated interview, attributed the ongoing political discord to what he described as Governor Fubara’s administrative incompetence, and strongly advised against injecting ethnicity into the crisis. “Fubara should stop ethnicizing the issue” – Eradiri “Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s lack of leadership experience is the root cause of this negative political energy in Rivers. He shouldn’t drag the Ijaw ethnic group into his personal political battles,” Eradiri said. He questioned the governor’s track record in supporting Ijaw communities, pointing out the lack of significant empowerment initiatives for Ijaw youths and leaders under Fubara’s administration. “Let him show us how many Ijaws in Rivers State he has empowered or appointed to significant roles like local government chairmen or commissioners,” he added. Eradiri further stressed that Governor Fubara should humble himself and apologize to Wike to de-escalate the crisis, accusing Fubara’s supporters of hypocrisy. “Those misleading him are spineless. They kneel before Wike privately but pretend to be fearless warriors in public,” Eradiri claimed. INC also under fire for poor crisis management The former LP candidate didn’t spare the Ijaw National Congress (INC) either. He criticized the organization for its handling of the Rivers crisis, warning against the ethnicization of political matters. “The INC has embarrassed the Ijaw nation by supporting incompetent leaders. The institution must remain apolitical and stop massaging the egos of governors,” he warned. He called on the INC to uphold its responsibility to represent all Ijaw people fairly and maintain neutrality in political affairs, reminding them that no individual holds a superior Ijaw identity over another. Related Reading: Conclusion The political tension in Rivers State continues to attract national attention, with prominent figures like Udengs Eradiri offering candid advice. His call for Fubara to seek peace through humility and for stakeholders to avoid ethnic sentiments underlines the urgent need for leadership and reconciliation in the state. If you found this article helpful, check out more updates on Nigerian Political News on LMSINT MEDIA. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
LAGOS—Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has voiced concerns that the ongoing political developments in Rivers State and the Senate’s handling of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio could threaten the stability of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. He warned that similar events in the past led to the downfall of Nigeria’s First and Second Republics. George, speaking in Lagos, criticized the Nigerian government for what he termed as unconstitutional actions, including the controversial voice vote used to approve President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers. He also condemned efforts to recall Natasha from the Senate, calling the situation shameful and indicative of deeper flaws in Nigeria’s democracy. In his remarks, George drew parallels to past political crises, stating, “Today, we are seeing the same mistakes that led to the collapse of our earlier republics, now being repeated by the APC-led government. The unconstitutional decisions, including the handling of the Rivers State crisis and the treatment of Natasha, are not just harmful to Nigeria’s democratic institutions, but they also bring international disgrace.” He further criticized the deployment of security forces to protect a deposed speaker in Lagos while security was withdrawn from the elected speaker, and the National Assembly’s rubber-stamp approval of the state of emergency in Rivers without the required two-thirds majority. Manipulation of Political Processes One of the most contentious issues raised by George was the Senate’s handling of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Natasha’s allegations have sparked a political battle, with George accusing the Senate of partisan misconduct, further eroding public trust. He pointed out the lack of an independent investigation into Natasha’s claims, instead opting for punitive actions against her, including her suspension. “There is a serious risk that these actions are part of a political conspiracy to recall Natasha using the machinery of state. The attempt to manipulate the political process, such as the unsubstantiated gathering of signatures at the INEC office, is a gross injustice,” George said. He also warned that such actions signal a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s future. “This is not democracy, it’s a clear case of manipulation. We are heading toward a very dangerous path,” George added, referring to the government’s interference in the Kogi State and Bayelsa State political situations. Global Embarrassment and Growing Tensions While George condemned these actions as threats to Nigeria’s democracy, he also emphasized the international embarrassment caused by these moves. The global community has been closely watching Nigeria’s political developments, with criticism coming from various quarters, including from notable figures like Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who recently warned that democracy in Nigeria was under threat. Looking ahead, George expressed his concern that these tensions could escalate as the 2027 elections approach. He warned that, with rising insecurity, corruption, and economic challenges, the government’s focus should be on resolving these issues rather than engaging in political conflicts. Conclusion: A Call for Accountability and Transparency George concluded his statements with a call for accountability and transparency in the country’s political system, urging the government to respect democratic norms and uphold the integrity of the electoral process. He also called on Nigerians to resist attempts to manipulate the democratic process, stressing that the country’s future depends on the actions taken today. For more information on the political climate in Nigeria and the challenges facing its democracy, you can read this insightful article from The Guardian on the state of Nigerian democracy here. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
