News
Niger Deltans Demand Wike’s Sack in Solidarity with Ijaw Nation Over Ethnic Remarks on Ijaws
By Perez Bibaikefie
BOMADI – The Congress of Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities today, storm Bomadi town in solidarity with Ijaw ethnic group demand that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sack the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike immediately, from office due to his derogatory comments about the Ijaw people and the late elder statesman, Pa E.K. Clark which they say are capable of causing disharmony amongst the Niger Delta Ethnic groups.
During a one-day Ijaw National Sensitization Rally in Bomadi, Delta State, the Congress for Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities (CONDEN) and from the Western Zone of Ijaw nation organized a gathering under the theme “Stand Up for Ijaw Nation and Pa E.K. Clark.”
Ijaw National Congress Condemn Wike’s Remarks
Speaking at the event, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), strongly criticized Wike’s statements, calling them an affront to the entire Ijaw community.
> “We have remained silent for too long. It’s time for the Ijaw to act, and the time is now. We must redeem our image. Wike, who sent thunder against the Ijaw people, is now facing the consequences of his own words,” Okaba stated.
He further revealed that similar demonstrations would soon take place in Bayelsa and Rivers States, followed by further actions to address the issue.
Felix Tuodolo Refutes Wike’s Comments
Dr. Felix Tuodolo, the foremost President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and a key figure in the 1998 Kaiama Declaration, accused Wike of misrepresenting the Ijaw population.
> “Wike is very poor in mathematics and history for calling the Ijaw a minority of the minorities in the Niger Delta, contrary to census figures. 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 with only two,” Tuodolo declared.
He urged Ijaw and Niger Delta leaders to unite under a single political agenda to fight marginalization and ensure fair representation, clarifying that their movement was not against any particular ethnic group but rather a call for justice.
Support from Other Groups and Prominent Voices
Several figures, including Nollywood actress and Rivers Labour Party Leader, Hilda Dokubo and leaders from the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western and Eastern Zones, echoed these sentiments. Representatives from other ethnic groups, such as the Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU), Isoko, and Ndokwa communities, also expressed solidarity with the Ijaw people.
In a statement issued by Hendrick Opukeme on behalf of CONDEN, the Ijaw nation accused Wike of inciting political instability in Rivers State and demanded his immediate dismissal.
> “We proclaim our unwavering commitment to the struggle for our people’s rights and dignity. For too long, we have been silent while our resources are plundered, our environment desecrated, and our future mortgaged. Enough is enough,” the statement read.
The group insisted that unless Wike is sacked or suspended, the Federal Government’s commitment to justice remains biased.
With tensions rising over Wike’s remarks, Ijaw leaders have vowed to continue their hard push until their demands of reinstatement of the democratically elected government in Rivers State and/or the immediate dismissal of Wike are met.
By Warefa Pereke.
March 31, 2025.
Thousands of Dignitaries and Media Outfits Witnessed the Unveiling of Iduwini Voice Newspaper.
March 29, 2025, will be etched in the annals of history as the day Iduwini Voice Newspaper was officially launched at the prestigious MBB Event Center. The highly anticipated event, drew thousands of dignitaries, media personalities, and enthusiasts from across the region to MBB event Center, Refinery Road Effurun, Delta State.
The launch ceremony, which commenced at 11:00 am, was a testament to the meticulous planning and organization of the Media team. The MBB Event Center was transformed into a vibrant hub of activity, with attendees eagerly awaiting the unveiling of Iduwini Voice Newspaper.
In his welcome address, The Editor-in-Chief and CEO of Iduwini Voice Newspaper, Dr. Peretengboro Clintin Bibaikefie, outlined the publication’s vision and mission, emphasizing its commitment to factual reporting, balanced analysis, and investigative journalism.
“Permit me to say that the idea of Iduwini Voice stemmed from a revolutionary vision that tasked me heavily in a deep ‘wilderness of the mind,’ thronging hard to come up with a catchy, fancy, and contemporary brand name, but kept being guided back to my root…For too long, our stories have been told by others – often with bias, misrepresentation, or outright immission, often intended to manipulate the powers that be against us Africans, Nigerians, Niger Deltans, and Ijaws in particular. The Iduwini Voice was founded on the principle of authenticity, truth, and empowerment. We believe that everyone has a story to tell, but not everyone has the platform to tell it. This is why we boldly adopted the slogan: “Voice of the Voiceless.””
“We will strive to provide our readers with accurate, timely, and engaging content, while also promoting the values of fairness, justice, and equality,” he said.
In his lecture delivered at the occasion of Iduwini Voice Newspaper/TV launch, entitled: “The Digital Tide And The Upsurge of Avant-Garde Journalism”, Professor Benedict Ebimotimi Binebai explored the remarkable journey of Iduwini Voice Newspaper and its impact on the media world. “Iduwini Voice delves into the vision of creativity and innovation that have made it a beacon of Avant-Garde storytelling. Iduwini Voice brings stories from the grassroots, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. It helps to preserve the cultural heritage and traditions of the Niger Delta region, and conducts in-depth investigations into issues like corruption, human rights abuses, and environmental degradation,” he said.
In his keynote address, The Father of the Day, Professor Benjamin Ogele Okaba, President Ijaw National Congress, said that as the Ijaw Nation demonstrates its dedication to the development of the media industry, Iduwini Voice Newspaper will become a leading voice in Nigerian journalism, promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.
The chief Launcher, Chief Dr. Julius Takeme JP (Phd), The Olotu of Obotebe Kingdom, and Chairman, Burutu Local Government Council, pressed on the need for the Ijaws to support any Ijaw cause financially and otherwise. “We are proud to launch Iduwini Voice Newspaper, a platform that will provide a voice for the voiceless, promote transparency, and hold leaders accountable,” he stated.
Chief Comrade Cheriff Mulade, Director-General, Center For Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), who Chaired the occasion, emphasized the importance of a free and independent press in promoting democracy and good governance. He expressed his commitment to supporting the growth and development of the media industry in Niger Delta.
The event featured a range of activities, including a discussion on the role of the media in promoting democracy, a presentation on the history and significance of Iduwini Voice Newspaper, and a tour of the publication’s state-of-the-art facilities.
As the curtains drew to a close with a vote of thanks offered by Barrister Sam Ikporukpo, attendees were treated to a spectacular display of music, dance, and other performances, showcasing the rich diversity of the Niger Delta region.
Other dignitaries present were Pastor Adonis Osarobo, the Zonal Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Later Rain Zone, Spiritual Father of the Day, Hon. Julius Pondi, Chairman of the House Committee on Environment & Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency, House of Representatives, Abuja, Comrade Newworld Endoro, Chairman, Odimodi Community, Hon. Dennis Yenbri Bibaikefie, Mr. Akin Benikrukru, PIA Chairman, Iduwini Host Community Development Board, Delta State.
Others were Comrade Isaiah Tamaraunimi Ingo, SA to the NDDC Chairman, Comrade Ozobo Austin,
Publisher of Cogress Newspaper & President, Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF), Mr. Cletus Opukeme,
Publisher of Daily Watch Newspaper,
Also present were Arex Ambrose Akemotubo, CEO, WaffiTv & Auditor of Delta State PDP, Jacobs Brakere Abai, CEO of Gbaramatuvoice, Comrade Mike Ugedi, CEO of Delta Events Tv,
Ekpegha Tamaraupreye,
Publisher of South-South Daily, and a host of others.
In an interview with Media personnel after the lunching, the Editor-in-chief of the Ezon Efie Media outfit, Engr. Warefa Pereke, said that with its lunch, Iduwini Voice Newspaper has set a new standard for journalism in Nigeria, and its commitment to truth, fairness, and accountability is expected to resonate with readers across the Nigeria”.
PHOTO CAPTION: Dignitaries and guests at the launch of Iduwini Voice Newspaper at the MBB Event Center on March 29, 2025.
By Divine Perezide
Prominent Ijaw leaders, including the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba, Professor Benedict Binebai, Chief Mulade Sheriff, and others, have rallied behind indigenous Ijaw media organizations, emphasizing the importance of community journalism in advancing the Ijaw cause.
Speaking at the official launch of IduwiniVoice over the weekend in Warri, the leaders acknowledged that the struggle for the Niger Delta’s development has evolved beyond physical confrontation to strategic media advocacy. They stressed that media reportage now serves as the voice of marginalized communities, highlighting the region’s underdevelopment to the wider public.
In their speeches, Professor Okaba, Professor Binebai, Chief Sheriff, and Burutu LGA Chairman, Chief (Dr.) Julius Takeme, underscored the critical role the media plays in Ijaw society.
Chief Sheriff Mulade, chairman of the occasion, praised the publisher of Iduwini Voice, Prince (Dr.) Klintin Bibakefie, and other Ijaw publishers for their dedication to promoting the interests of the Ijaw people and the Niger Delta. He also commended Comrade Ozobo Austin, the national president of the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF), for uniting Ijaw media professionals into a formidable force.
INC President Prof. Okaba highlighted the numerous challenges the Ijaw nation has faced over the past year, including political turmoil in Rivers State and the passing of key Ijaw figures such as Pa E.K. Clark. However, he assured that the Ijaw people remain resilient and confident in securing victory in ongoing political struggles, emphasizing that history has shown their ability to overcome adversity.
Professor Benedict Binebai urged Ijaw journalists to uphold principles of truth, accuracy, and fearlessness in their reporting. He referenced the legacy of the late Earnest Ikoli, a pioneering journalist from Ijawland, whose influence continues to inspire indigenous journalists today.
During his keynote lecture, Professor Binebai introduced a new journalistic approach, which he termed Avant-Garde Journalism. This unique concept, he explained, aligns with Ijaw reporters who experience firsthand the political, economic, and environmental injustices faced by their people. He argued that traditional journalism had failed the Ijaw cause due to biased reporting and manipulated narratives, which downplayed the extent of marginalization in the region.
With IduwiniVoice and other Ijaw media outlets championing the undiluted truth in what authorities describe as avant-gardejournalism, the leaders expressed optimism that indigenous journalism will continue to shed light on the struggles of the Ijaw nation and drive meaningful change.
By Daniella Perelade
President Bola Tinubu has shared details of a conversation that nearly led to the removal of Nyesom Wike as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The president disclosed this on Sunday when Wike, accompanied by a delegation of FCT residents, visited the State House in Abuja for a Sallah homage.
Tinubu explained that the issue stemmed from Wike’s request to exempt the FCT from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), a move the minister believed would improve efficiency in his role. While considering the proposal, Tinubu said he warned Wike that if such an exemption ended up benefiting the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over his own party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), it could put the minister’s position at risk.
The president noted that his remark was partly humorous but highlighted the political sensitivity surrounding the matter. Wike, a PDP member, played a controversial role in the 2023 presidential election by opposing his party’s candidate before being appointed as FCT Minister under Tinubu’s APC-led government.
In response to the president’s concerns, Wike assured Tinubu that the issue would be handled in a way that maintained political balance.
This exchange highlights the complex political interactions within the administration, where members of rival parties navigate governance while balancing party interests.