In an interview with The Nation News, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, former President of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide and immediate past Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Bayelsa State—who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC)—gave a brief evaluation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s performance in the Niger Delta. Eradiri, who also served as Commissioner for Youths and later for Environment in Bayelsa, highlighted some of the President’s notable achievements in the region. Mike Odiegwu reports.
Eradiri stated that, based on his personal assessment, President Tinubu genuinely means well for Nigeria and deserves the full support of the people. He noted that despite facing significant pressure and distractions both within and outside his party, the president has stayed resolute and focused.
Speaking specifically about the Niger Delta, Eradiri pointed out that one of the administration’s most commendable strides has been in infrastructure. He referenced the East-West Road, which had suffered years of abandonment, noting that the Tinubu administration has shown serious commitment to its rehabilitation. He praised the Minister of Works for initiating a revised structural approach that is already yielding visible results. According to him, a proper engineering assessment was carried out, leading to design changes that now ensure the road can withstand heavy use and flooding.
He explained that areas previously lacking drainage infrastructure, which contributed to recurring road damage, now have culverts in place. He added that over 70% of the road has been dualised. Eradiri expressed appreciation to the President for the progress made, recalling the agitation that preceded his intervention. He said the progress inspired him to consider organising young people along the route to publicly show appreciation to the president.
He also lauded the President’s “light-up” initiative through the NDDC, which he said has brought visible improvement to night-time lighting across the Niger Delta. He credited the NDDC’s newfound stability to the president’s decision to appoint a focused and reliable leadership, which has prioritised infrastructure and educational development in the region.
On education, Eradiri cited the U-Lesson initiative as a major step forward. He said the programme, implemented through the NDDC, aims to equip students in the region with digital tablets preloaded with educational content. Although still in its early stages, he said it is an important step toward preparing the region’s youth for the future through ICT-based learning. Schools are also being renovated and supplied with electronic learning tools as part of the same drive.
He further praised the introduction of the Students’ Loan Scheme, saying it is a well-intentioned programme by the president to support less privileged students. However, Eradiri expressed concern that some people charged with executing the president’s agenda are failing to align with his vision, allowing personal interests to interfere. He called on anti-graft agencies like the EFCC and ICPC to remain vigilant and ensure corrupt individuals don’t sabotage initiatives meant to benefit the public.
Reflecting on the state of the nation before Tinubu assumed office, Eradiri argued that the country was already in crisis. He urged Nigerians to be patient, noting that real reform takes time. He said even if Jesus Christ were president, it would take a while for significant changes to materialise. He emphasised that the current administration did not create the problems it is now addressing.
He said, “Asiwaju never found himself in power from the point he left as Governor of Lagos State, which is close to 20 years today.” He insisted that it is unfair to hold Tinubu responsible for the country’s past failures, as he had not been part of the system that led to its decline.
