The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to take swift action and reprimand the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, over his controversial remarks about the Ijaw people.
The INC’s call follows reports of Wike allegedly stating that the Ijaw are a “minority of minorities” in Rivers and other South-South states, except Bayelsa.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, the National Publicity Secretary of the INC, expressed concern over the FCT Minister’s comments, noting that given Wike’s eight years as the governor of Rivers State, his statements reflected a troubling lack of historical insight. “We expected a more informed understanding of the state’s history from someone with such an extensive tenure,” Oyakemeagbegha said.
While calling for a peaceful response, the INC emphasized that they would not tolerate attempts to undermine the Ijaw community’s standing.
The statement further highlighted that the Ijaw people are the fourth-largest ethnic group in Nigeria, with a population of over 40 million, and the largest ethnic group in Rivers, where they hold influence across eight local government areas. Additionally, the Ijaw are not a minority in Delta State.
The INC reaffirmed its commitment to fostering peace, fairness, and equity in the Niger Delta and South-South regions. “We will not be swayed by provocative rhetoric from any individual,” Oyakemeagbegha added, stressing that the Ijaw’s advocacy for justice remains unwavering.
In closing, the INC called on President Tinubu to ensure that Wike is reminded of his ministerial duties, urging the government to safeguard the harmony that the Niger Delta region has long enjoyed.
