Delta Ijaws condemn Wike's comments, seek presidential action

Warri is gripped by protests as hundreds of Ijaw people take to the streets on Saturday, write to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing outrage over Minister Nyesom Wike's derogatory comments about the Ijaw tribe and its spiritual foundation.

In a statement, signed by Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, Coordinator of the Ijaw National Frontiers, condemned Wike's behaviour as "sacrilegious" and "an abomination."

The Ijaw nation is demanding that President Tinubu call Wike to order, citing concerns that the Minister's actions are part of a larger scheme to destabilize Rivers State and pave the way for the President's re-election in 2027.

Statement reads in full:

"His Excellency ,Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander in Chief Federal Republic of Nigeria, Aso Villa, Abuja. 

Mr. President, 

BARR. NYESOM WIKE HAS MURDERED SLEEP 

"We write to register our grave displeasure over the unwarranted outburst of your Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike during his media chat on Wednesday, 12th March, 2025 where he insulted the entire Ijaw tribe and the spiritual foundation of our existence as a people. More so, your Minister Wike berated derogatorily the person of our late leader and father who only recently joined his ancestors, awaiting a befitting funeral, in a manner reminiscent of uncouth, ill-bred child.

"Who knew Wike before he was appointed a Minister of State by Former President Jonathan (an Ijaw son) on the recommendation of Rt. Hon Rotimi Amaechi his benefactor whom he betrayed? And it was the same Former President Jonathan, and his beloved wife who gave Wike the chance to become Governor of Rivers State despite the avalanche of better qualified Ijaw sons and daughters who were aspiring to be Governors in the spirit of building a united cohesive Rivers family. But as it is traditional with Wike’s revolting spirit of betrayal, today he despises all his benefactors including Dr. Peter Odili who led other Rivers State elders to make him a governor at the instance of Her Excellency Dame Patience Jonathan, a worthy Ijaw daughter. Will the present romance between Barr. Wike and Mr. President end differently, a man whose undying penchant for betrayal is legendary just like his favorite Glenfiddich 30 years. 

"To derogatorily make reference to Pa Edwin K. Clark, who is resting in the arms of his creator, awaiting to be given a befitting interment is sacrilegious, and an abomination. And to ridicule the spirituality of the Ijaw nation which expression is found in the sobriquet “asawana” is an invitation to chaos. Wike has murdered sleep and he shall sleep no more.

"Mr. President, it has been generally observed that the ingrate called Wike is acting out a script to feather your 2027 nest. We cannot fathoma better reason for Barr. Wike’s deep crave to destabilize and derail Rivers State without being called to order. We can clearly identify the “hand of Jacob” to pave way for your re-election in 2027. This is the only reason you have continued to condone his excesses and even pouring encomiums on him as a performing minister.

"We want to appeal to you to call Barr. Nyesom Wike to order. The Ijaw people have never been conquered at any time in our history and it cannot be so in this 21st century. It is a truism that the entire south south region today is reaping from the sweat of the Ijaws, employing the spiritual sobriquet “asawana” (which Wike has the temerity to ridicule)to fight for resource ownership and control. Today you may be enjoying your romance with Nyesom Wike but remember that a man who has anendemic betrayal spirit will continue to show his true nature.We wish to reiterate the words of the President of the Ijaw National Congress; it is your choice to choose between Barr. Nyesom Wike, and the entire Ijaw nation. But please note from this day that Wike has murdered sleep."