The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and caution the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over remarks he allegedly made about the Ijaw people.
Wike reportedly described the Ijaw as a “minority of minorities” in Rivers State and other South-South states, except Bayelsa.
The INC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, issued a statement on Friday in Abuja, expressing concern over Wike’s comments.
INC: “We Expect Better from Wike”
The INC emphasized its commitment to peace and stability in the Niger Delta and urged President Tinubu to redirect Wike’s focus to his ministerial responsibilities.
“We have taken note of the recent remarks made by the Minister of the FCT. Given his eight-year tenure as governor of Rivers, we expected a more informed understanding of the state’s history,” the INC said.
The congress also clarified that the Ijaw people are Nigeria’s fourth-largest ethnic group, with a population exceeding 40 million, and they hold significant presence in Rivers and Delta states.
Ijaw’s Role in the Niger Delta
The INC highlighted the Ijaw people’s longstanding advocacy for fairness and equity in the South-South region. They reaffirmed their stance against any attempts to undermine their contributions to the Niger Delta’s development.
“The Ijaw have consistently stood for justice and equity, and we will not be swayed by individual attempts to provoke us,” Oyakemeagbegha asserted.
As tensions rise, all eyes are on President Tinubu to see whether he will address INC’s concerns regarding Wike’s statements.
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