By Hagxy Don
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rein in the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, over his recent comments regarding the Ijaw people.
The INC’s reaction follows statements attributed to Wike, in which he allegedly described the Ijaw as a "minority of minorities" in Rivers and other South-South states, except Bayelsa.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, the National Publicity Secretary of the INC, Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, expressed the congress's discontent, emphasizing that such remarks could stoke unnecessary tension in the region.
“We will maintain peace and stability, but we call on President Tinubu to caution him and redirect his focus to his ministerial duties,” the statement read.
The INC asserted that the Ijaw are not a minority group, but rather the fourth-largest ethnic nationality in Nigeria, boasting over 40 million people and a rich historical heritage. It further stated that the Ijaw dominate eight local government areas in Rivers State and hold significant presence in Delta State.
“The Ijaw have consistently championed fairness and equity in the Niger Delta and South-South. We will not be distracted by individual attempts to provoke us,” Oyakemeagbegha added.
The congress reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace and unity while urging the federal government to ensure that divisive rhetoric does not undermine national cohesion.