Prominent leaders and stakeholders from the Ijaw Nation and Niger Delta region convened in Bomadi, Delta State, on Tuesday to address pressing issues concerning the region, particularly the ongoing crisis in Rivers State.
During the meeting, the leaders voiced strong discontent over the actions and remarks of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. They called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately suspend and remove Wike from his ministerial position, citing his alleged derogatory statements against the Ijaw Nation and its revered leaders, particularly the late Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.
In a jointly signed statement by Hendrick Opukeme, Chief Dan Ekpebide, Kennedy Orubebe, Bunor Agbomudarho, Felix Tuodolor, Ari Sylvester Ari, and Loveth Timothy, the leaders accused Wike of making inflammatory remarks capable of fueling ethnic tensions in the Niger Delta. They condemned his alleged attempts to distort historical facts and undermine the Ijaw people’s contributions to Rivers State’s development and politics.
The statement described Wike as a key antagonist in the Rivers State conflict, asserting that his continued presence in the Federal Executive Council was an embarrassment to the nation. They urged President Tinubu to take decisive action to restore peace, stability, and good governance in the region.
The gathering also expressed strong opposition to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that similar or worse security situations in other parts of Nigeria had not warranted such drastic measures. They described the decision as unfair and politically motivated, especially as Wike, whom they accused of instigating the crisis, remained in office.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the struggles of the Niger Delta people, emphasizing the need for justice, equality, and self-determination. They highlighted the Ijaw Nation’s pivotal role in the creation of Rivers State, recalling the efforts of pioneers such as the late Pere Harold Dappa-Biriye and Major Isaac Adaka Boro.
In their resolution, they vowed to resist any attempts to marginalize the Ijaw people and called for greater control over the region’s resources.
The meeting concluded with a strong message of unity and resilience from the Ijaw Nation and other ethnic groups in the Niger Delta. They pledged to continue advocating for their rights and to resist any form of political or economic oppression.
The communique was signed by key representatives, reinforcing their stance against injustice and their determination to protect the interests of their people.
