Udengs Eradiri, the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate in Bayelsa State, disclosed that he has engaged with influential figures, including former state governors, regarding his bid for leadership in the upcoming November 11 election. Speaking during a live phone-in segment on Yenagoa’s People’s FM93.1 radio station, Eradiri expressed his intention to request Governor Douye Diri of the PDP, who is seeking a second term, to support his campaign should they meet.
Among those consulted are former Bayelsa governors such as the late Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Timipre Sylva (also running for a second term under the APC banner), and Seriake Dickson, who handed over leadership to Diri.
Eradiri, the 47-year-old LP candidate, highlighted that he belongs to a generation that holds positions of authority and actively contributes to decision-making across global governance and various spheres of life.
He vowed that he would not allow those in older generations who had lived their prime to still lead the state and determine the way things were done in modern times.
Eradiri said, “It will interest you to know that I have gone to all the former governors. It’s only this governor (Douye Diri) that I have not seen. The day I see him, I give him his drinks and tell him to work for me because it’s my turn.
“It’s my generation that is in leadership (positions) all over the world. How can people use their time and (also) use my time? No. If I disagree with that, then I will not argue with them. I was in the APC, and I couldn’t argue with the principal (Sylva) but we are on the ballot today. I know several people who say, ‘No, it’s oga o, I’m loyal’.
“I don’t emphasize loyalty, but rather I value respect. Loyalty can be transactional, while respect must be earned. From my perspective, our generation must not let this leadership opportunity slip away. It’s essential to lead and administer affairs with modern methods. The current global context demands a different approach, and it’s unrealistic to expect someone born in the 1950s to fully comprehend today’s ways of doing things. Instead of merely complaining about the lack of infrastructure like roads and schools, I’m willing to step up and take charge.”
He emphasized that Bayelsa has reached a point in its developmental journey where competent, capable, and bold individuals like him are required to provide effective leadership for substantial progress in the state.
Discussing his intentions for the dormant Bayelsa State Palm Ltd and other inactive state-owned enterprises, Eradiri expressed his commitment to revitalizing them to generate employment opportunities and invigorate the state’s economy.
“I have a well-prepared agenda and a strong connection with the people of Bayelsa. My plans include rejuvenating various dormant industries in the state, numbering over 11, including Bayelsa Palm Ltd. This company has enormous potential and represents a readily attainable success. These are ventures that won’t require excessive investment before they start creating jobs and contributing to the economy. We have detailed strategies in place for addressing this, and we’ve outlined these plans,” he added.
