The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to address comments allegedly made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, concerning the Ijaw people. The INC has described Wike’s remarks as inflammatory and disrespectful to the Ijaw community. In a statement released in Abuja on Friday, signed by the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, the INC expressed its displeasure over the comments, which it claimed were derogatory to the Ijaw people.
Reports have indicated that Wike referred to the Ijaw as a “minority of minorities” in Rivers and other South-South states, excluding Bayelsa, which has angered the Ijaw community. The INC, as the leading socio-cultural organisation for the Ijaw people, stated that these remarks downplay the historical importance and contributions of the Ijaw ethnic group to the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole. The statement further urged President Tinubu to caution Wike and refocus his attention on his duties as FCT Minister.
The INC reminded Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, of his deep knowledge of the region’s ethnic landscape, asserting that he should understand the significant role of the Ijaw people. The group also took issue with Wike’s claim, stating that the Ijaw are the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria, with a population exceeding 40 million. The INC refuted Wike’s assertion, providing statistics to show that the Ijaw are the dominant ethnic group in eight local government areas in Rivers State and are also prevalent in Delta, Edo, Ondo, and Akwa Ibom states.
The group reaffirmed its dedication to promoting peace, justice, and equity in the Niger Delta, noting that the Ijaw people have long been at the forefront of advocating for fair resource control, political representation, and environmental justice in the region. The INC further stated that it would not be provoked by divisive statements and remains committed to unity and mutual respect among the various ethnic groups in the Niger Delta.
The INC also called on Wike to concentrate on his responsibilities as FCT Minister, rather than making remarks that could stir unnecessary tensions. It urged President Tinubu to intervene and prevent comments that could undermine the unity of the Niger Delta and the broader South-South region, stressing the importance of maintaining peace for sustainable development and regional stability.
