Ijaw Leaders Demand Suspension Of FCT Minister Over Controversial Remarks

Ijaw Nation Calls for Minister's Suspension Amid Rising Tensions

Naija News is bringing you the latest update on a heated situation involving the Ijaw ethnic nationality. Leaders of the Ijaw community are demanding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu take immediate action by suspending the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The reason? Alleged derogatory remarks targeting the Ijaw people and the late respected statesman, Pa Edwin Clark.

This call to action came during a powerful one-day rally in Bomadi, the heart of Bomadi Local Government Area in Delta State. The event, titled "Stand Up for Ijaw Nation and Pa E.K. Clark," was organized by the Congress for Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities (CONDEN) and several Ijaw groups from the Western Zone. It was more than just a rally; it was a platform for the Ijaw people to make their voices heard, loud and clear, about Wike's comments and demand accountability from those in power.

Rally Spotlights Ijaw Concerns

The rally wasn't just a gathering; it was a movement. It provided a space where the Ijaw community could unite, share their grievances, and call for change. The event was packed with energy, passion, and a clear message: the Ijaw people are tired of being disrespected, and they're ready to stand up for their rights. Leaders from all walks of life attended, adding weight to the cause and amplifying the voices of those who feel marginalized.

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Benjamin Okaba, the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), was one of the key figures at the rally. In his speech, he strongly condemned Wike’s remarks, labeling them as an insult to the entire Ijaw nation. Okaba emphasized the importance of unity and action, urging the Ijaw people to come together and protect their dignity. He stated, "We've stayed quiet for far too long. It's time for the Ijaw to take a stand, and the time is now. We must reclaim our image. Wike, who attacked the Ijaw people, is now facing the repercussions of his own words."

Okaba didn't stop there. He announced plans for more rallies in Bayelsa and Rivers states, promising further actions based on the outcomes of these events. This is a clear indication that the Ijaw community isn't backing down until their demands are met.

Challenging Misrepresentations

Felix Tuodolo, the pioneer president of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and the initiator of the historic 1998 Kaiama Declaration, also weighed in on Wike's comments. He took issue with Wike's claim that the Ijaw are a "minority of the minorities" in the Niger Delta. Tuodolo argued that this couldn't be further from the truth. He pointed out that the Ijaw are the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria and the majority in Rivers State, with ten local governments, compared to Wike's Ikwerre, which has only two.

"Wike seems to lack basic knowledge of mathematics and history if he thinks the Ijaw are a minority of the minorities in the Niger Delta. The facts don’t lie. The Ijaw are the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria and the majority in Rivers State," Tuodolo said. His words carried weight, reminding everyone that the Ijaw community is not as small or insignificant as Wike's comments might suggest.

Uniting for Justice

Tuodolo further emphasized the need for Ijaw leaders to unite under a single agenda. He called for an end to political marginalization and advocated for fair representation of the Ijaw people. He made it clear that the rally wasn't about targeting any specific ethnic group but was a call for justice for the Ijaw community. The message was clear: the Ijaw people deserve to be treated with respect and fairness.

Other prominent figures, including Nollywood actress Hilda Dokubo and leaders of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) from both the Western and Eastern Zones, echoed similar sentiments. Even representatives from other ethnic groups, such as the Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU), Isoko, and Ndokwa, showed their solidarity with the Ijaw cause.

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A Call for Accountability

In a statement signed by Hendrick Opukeme on behalf of CONDEN, the Ijaw nation accused Wike of exacerbating political tensions in Rivers State. The group demanded his immediate suspension, arguing that the Federal Government's stance on justice would appear selective if no action is taken. The statement read, "We proclaim our unwavering commitment to the struggle for our people's rights and dignity. We've been silent for too long while our resources are exploited, our environment destroyed, and our future compromised. Enough is enough."

The Ijaw leadership has vowed to continue advocating for their rights and ensuring their concerns are addressed. They reiterated that unless Wike is suspended, the Federal Government's commitment to justice will be questioned. This is a fight for dignity, respect, and fair treatment, and the Ijaw community is determined to see it through to the end.