A former Labour Party gubernatorial candidate in Bayelsa State, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, has publicly defended Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, amid ongoing criticism from some Ijaw leaders, asserting that Wike has done more for the Ijaw people than those attacking him.
In a strongly worded statement, Eradiri condemned what he described as emotional manipulation and political misdirection by some Ijaw elites who have accused Wike of working against Ijaw interests. According to him, many of these leaders were once beneficiaries of Wike’s political goodwill but are now turning against him for personal gain.
Eradiri, who once contested for the governorship of Bayelsa State under the Labour Party, revealed that he had tried unsuccessfully to secure Wike’s support during the campaign. He noted that Wike’s eventual endorsement of incumbent Governor Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was instrumental in Diri’s victory, especially following the cancellation of results in the stronghold of Chief Timipre Sylva, the APC candidate.
He accused Governor Diri, who now presents himself as a champion of the Ijaw cause, of hypocrisy for previously seeking and benefiting from Wike’s influence. Eradiri questioned where the “Ijaw pride” being touted today was when Diri reportedly knelt before Wike for political support.
“Wike spent over N5 billion to establish a Law School in Yenagoa, Ijawland, something self-proclaimed lovers of the Ijaw Nation failed to do,” Eradiri stated. “He also donated N500 million to the Bayelsa Medical School. Where were these critics then?”
He challenged Ijaw leaders and the public to review Wike’s recent statements objectively, arguing that the minister’s remarks were factual and not derogatory. According to Eradiri, the Ijaw people are quick to unite in outrage but fail to demonstrate the same unity for development purposes.
“Yenagoa, the capital of the Ijaw Nation, looks abandoned. Our airport is moribund, our schools are in ruins, and our youths are unemployed,” he said. “Yet, our solidarity only shows up when it’s time to fight political battles, not for the progress of our people.”
He also criticized Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, labeling him as “incompetent” and blaming him for the current political crisis. Eradiri questioned how many Ijaw people Fubara had empowered since assuming office and accused him of failing to include Ijaw youths in governance.
“Wike visited Abalama without resistance, and Fubara made no effort to rally support against him,” he said. “Now, he should swallow his pride, kneel before Wike, and apologize. Those advising him are weak—publicly pretending to be Ijaw defenders while privately begging Wike.”
Eradiri emphasized that Wike, not Ijaw leaders, had done more to empower and develop Ijaw communities, citing examples such as George Kelly and other Ijaw sons who gained appointments under Wike’s administration.
He also criticized the Ijaw National Congress (INC), urging the body to stay away from partisan politics and accusing it of being misused by political actors to serve narrow interests.
“Stop using INC to romance governors’ egos. This has reduced the institution and made it susceptible to ridicule. INC should protect all Ijaw interests, not align with politicians for favors,” he said.
Eradiri claimed that Ijaw leaders themselves are responsible for underdeveloping the region, referencing the NDDC Forensic Audit Report which exposed fraudulent practices involving unexecuted contracts by supposed Ijaw advocates.
“They failed to develop Yenagoa, left our educational system in ruins, and sold off Ijaw economic assets like the Atala Marginal Field,” he said. “Even the minimal electricity some communities enjoy today is due to the NDDC under Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, whom these same politicians are fighting.”
Eradiri concluded by reiterating that Wike should not be treated as an enemy of the Ijaw Nation. Instead, he insisted, the real enemies are those within who exploit ethnic sentiments for political battles and personal advantage.
“Governor Diri and Governor Fubara should fight their battles within the PDP and stop dragging the Ijaw Nation into matters that do not concern the collective,” he said. “Minister Wike is not an enemy of the Ijaw people. The real enemies are those misleading the Ijaw Nation with fake loyalty.”
Eradiri acknowledged that his position might cost him politically, including his chances within the INC, but said he was prepared to face the consequences to speak the truth.
This statement, he affirmed, is endorsed personally by him.
