Ijaw: ‘Redirect Your Focus To Ministerial Duties,’ INC Tells Wike, Urges Tinubu To Caution Minister
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to call the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to order over comments attributed to him regarding the status of the Ijaw people in Rivers and other South-South states.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, INC’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, described Wike’s remarks as unnecessary and divisive.
He emphasized that the Ijaw people remain a significant ethnic group in Nigeria and should not be subjected to belittling statements.
“We will maintain peace and stability as we call on President Tinubu to caution him and redirect his focus to his ministerial duties,” the statement read.
The INC reaffirmed its commitment to preserving harmony in the Niger Delta, stressing that Wike, having served as governor of Rivers State for eight years, should have a better grasp of the region’s history and demographics.
“The Ijaw are the fourth-largest ethnic group in Nigeria, with over 40 million people, and are historically recognized as one of the oldest tribes in the country.
“They hold a strong presence in Rivers, occupying eight local government areas, and are not a minority in Delta State,” Oyakemeagbegha said.
The congress reiterated its stance on justice and equity for the Niger Delta, warning against attempts to undermine the contributions and status of the Ijaw people.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
