Ijaw National Congress Urges Tinubu to Call Wike to Order

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene following controversial comments made by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, about the Ijaw people. 

The INC is urging the president to caution Wike over comments in which he referred to the Ijaw as “a minority of minorities” in Rivers State and other South-South states, excluding Bayelsa.

In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the National Publicity Secretary of the INC, Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, expressed concern over the remarks, saying the congress had taken note of the FCT Minister’s statements. Oyakemeagbegha appealed to President Tinubu to redirect Wike’s focus to his official duties, emphasising the INC’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Niger Delta region.

The INC also questioned Wike’s understanding of the ethnic composition of Rivers State, given his previous eight-year tenure as governor. They expressed disappointment that such comments were made, particularly as Wike should have a more informed perspective on the state’s history. The INC reiterated that the Ijaw are the fourth-largest ethnic group in Nigeria, with a population exceeding 40 million. They are the largest ethnic group in Rivers State, holding eight local government areas, and are not considered a minority in Delta State. 

The Ijaw are also one of the oldest tribes in Nigeria, as documented in history. The INC reaffirmed its commitment to preserving unity and harmony in the Niger Delta.