The President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba, has strongly criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his recent comments regarding the Ijaw ethnic group.
Okaba accused Wike of being a “careless speaker” who often makes unguarded statements, sometimes under the influence of alcohol. His remarks come in response to Wike’s claim that the Ijaws are a minority ethnic group in Nigeria.
Wike made the controversial statement during a press briefing amid his ongoing political feud with his successor as Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara. The claim has sparked outrage among Ijaw leaders, who argue that it misrepresents their ethnic identity and population strength.
Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, Okaba dismissed Wike’s assertion, emphasizing that the Ijaws are one of the four largest ethnic groups in Nigeria.
“The person you’re talking about (Wike) could say anything under the influence of alcohol and later debunk it; he is a very careless speaker,” Okaba stated.
“These are basic demographic facts. The Ijaws are not the fourth-largest; they are one of the four largest ethnic groups.”
The sociology professor further argued that the Ijaw people’s influence extends beyond land territories into Nigeria’s riverine areas. He noted that census figures have historically been distorted, preventing an accurate representation of the Ijaw population.
“We are not a minority. In fact, we are the most populous and most indigenous ethnic nationality in the Niger Delta. That is a fact that is well known. Ijaws are in six states,” Okaba asserted.
Beyond Bayelsa State, Okaba highlighted that the Ijaws have significant indigenous populations in Abia, Delta, Edo, Ondo, and Rivers states. In Abia alone, he noted, there are 26 Ijaw communities, while in Rivers, Ijaws are indigenous to over ten local government areas.
Okaba accused Wike of deliberately distorting historical and demographic facts to serve his political interests. He also urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that no individual undermines Nigeria’s democratic stability, warning that Wike’s political relevance is tied solely to his position in government.
“We believe this is a deliberate distortion. Forget about those who manipulated political census figures—when the time comes for real counting, we shall know the truth,” Okaba added.
The controversy underscores growing tensions between Wike and key Ijaw political figures, particularly amid the ongoing crisis in Rivers State. Analysts warn that the dispute could have far-reaching political implications in the Niger Delta, especially ahead of future elections.
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