Former Ijaw Youth Council President, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, has warned suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to take genuine steps toward reconciliation or risk impeachment and prolonged crisis in the state.
Speaking to journalists, Eradiri expressed disappointment over Fubara’s failure to deepen reconciliation efforts following his feud with ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the FCT. The crisis, which began in 2023, led to emergency rule declared by President Tinubu in March 2025.
Eradiri criticised Fubara for not holding follow-up talks with critical stakeholders such as suspended House Speaker Martin Amaewhule, lawmakers, and local government chairmen aligned with Wike.
He referenced Wike’s media comment that Fubara was merely engaging in “reconciliation on television and radio,” describing it as superficial. “That approach won’t bring peace. It’s optics, not substance,” Eradiri warned.
He also condemned the governor’s supporters for inflammatory public remarks that could derail the peace process, calling their actions “political showbiz” that contributed to the current state of emergency.
Eradiri urged Fubara to lead the reconciliation process by actively engaging all key players and withdrawing the Supreme Court case filed by 11 PDP governors against the federal government’s emergency declaration in Rivers.
According to him, failure to build trust with Wike’s loyalists and other stakeholders could lead to renewed conflict or even impeachment if Fubara is reinstated without resolving tensions.
Though Fubara’s recent visit to Wike’s residence and meeting with President Tinubu in London showed signs of progress, Eradiri insists more must be done.
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria has called for an independent Truth and Reconciliation Committee, while PDP youth leaders have warned against compromising the state’s interest.
As Rivers remains under the control of sole administrator Vice Admiral Ibas, Eradiri’s warning is clear: Fubara must act with sincerity to restore peace or risk political collapse.
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