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Ijaw, Niger Delta Leaders Demand Wike’s Removal, Call for Peace in Rivers
By Admin
Leaders and stakeholders from the Ijaw Nation and Niger Delta ethnic groups gathered in Bomadi, Delta State, on Tuesday to assess the political situation in Rivers State and express their grievances. The meeting, attended by prominent figures from various regional organizations, saw a strong call for the immediate suspension and removal of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, from the Federal Executive Council. The leaders accused Wike of making inflammatory and derogatory statements against the Ijaw people, particularly targeting their late revered leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark. According to them, Wike’s remarks distorted historical facts and undermined the contributions of the Ijaw Nation to Rivers State’s development.
In a communique jointly signed by key representatives, including Hendrick Opukeme, Chief Dan Ekpebide, and Kennedy Orubebe, the leaders condemned Wike’s actions as divisive and detrimental to peace in the Niger Delta. They warned that his comments could inflame ethnic tensions and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene immediately. Furthermore, they described Wike as a major antagonist in the ongoing Rivers State political crisis, stating that his continued presence in the Federal Executive Council was a national embarrassment. The leaders urged the federal government to take swift action to restore peace, stability, and good governance in Rivers State and the broader Niger Delta region.
Read the details below:
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE ONE-DAY IJAW NATIONAL SENSITIZATION PROGRAMME
“We, the representatives of the Ijaw Nation and Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities, gathered in the ancient community of Bomadi in Delta state to X-ray the state of affairs of the Ijaw Nation vis-a-vis the present happenings in Rivers State.
Attendance:
In attendance were representatives of the National Executive Council of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), representatives of the Zonal Executive Committees of the INC and IYC, the Supreme Egbesu Assembly (SEA),
Meinbutu Federated Communities,
Movement for the Survival of Ijaw Ethnic Nationalities (MOSIEND), first class Ijaw traditional rulers from Delta State, indigenous Delta Ijaw communities from Burutu, Bomadi, Patani, Warri South West and Warri North LGAs.
Also in attendance to solidarity with the Ijaws were representatives of the youth wings of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Ndokwa Neku Union and the
Ogbaku-Etche Delta State Branch.
REAFFIRMATION OF OUR COMMITMENT TO THE STRUGGLES OF THE NIGER DELTA PEOPLE
“We want to reaffirm our commitment to the struggle for justice, equality, and self-determination by our forebears. This is because our estate has not changed as the Ijaws are still politically and economically marginalised and balkanised. It is in this light, we stand united in condemning the excesses of the Minister of the FCT, Chief Nyesome Wike and the President’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE NIGER DELTA TO NIGERIAN ECONOMY
“We are proud of the pivotal role played by our forebears in the creation of Rivers State. The Ijaws of Rivers State have been instrumental in shaping the state’s history, from the early struggles for autonomy to the present day. We honor the memory of late Pere Harold Dappa-Biriye, who led a delegation of Ijaws to the Lancaster House in 1957 to advocate for the creation of Rivers State. We also acknowledge the role played by the late Major Isaac Adaka Boro whose twelve days revolution led to the creation of Rivers State.
MINISTER NYESOME SHOULD BE SUSPENDED FROM THE FEDERAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
“We strongly condemn the unguarded utterances and actions of Minister Nyesome Wike, which have been insulting and derogatory towards the Ijaw Nation, particularly our revered leader, Papa Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, CON, OFR. Chief Wike’s comments are not only unacceptable but also a clear attempt to falsify well established facts and history, and also undermine the contributions of the Ijaw people to the development and politics of Rivers State. His statements are also capable of stoking ethnic crises in the Niger Delta. This must be resisted.
In order to avoid such conflicts, we are demanding for the immediate suspension of Minister Nyesome Wike from the Federal Executive Council.
Chief Nyesome Wike is the most embarrassing antagonist in the Rivers State conflict, and his continued stay in office is a national embarrassment. His actions have brought shame and disrepute to the nation, and his presence in the Federal Executive Council undermines the integrity of President Tinubu’s government. We urge President Tinubu to take immediate action to address this situation and restore peace, stability, and good governance to the Niger Delta region.
EMERGENCY RULE IN RIVERS STATE
“It is sad that President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State citing few breaches in security. There are worst happenings in other parts of Nigeria where herdsmen, bandits, unknown gunmen have been killing and kidnapping hundreds of persons and are even ruling entire local governments yet no state of emergency has been declared. Therefore we reject the President’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which suspends the democratic institutions, the Governor, and the Legislative organs of government. This move is a clear violation of the principles of democracy and good governance. It also appears bias as Chief Wike who is a provocateur of the Rivers State crises is still in office as a minister. We therefore demand an immediate reversal of this decision and a return to democratic rule in Rivers State.
“We, the Ijaw Nation and Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities, will therefore, continue to stand united in our pursuit of justice, equality, and self-determination. We will not be intimidated, we will not be silenced, and we will not be deterred from our struggle. We demand an end to the systemic injustices that have held us captive for centuries and a recognition of our rights to self-determination, to control our resources, and to shape our destiny.
“Long live the Ijaw Nation!
Long live Papa Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark! Long live our struggle for freedom, justice, and self-determination.”
Signed:
Hendrick Opukeme
Chief Dan Ekpebide
Kennedy Orubebe.
Bun or Agbomudarho
Felix Tuodolor
Ari Sylvester Ari
Loveth Timothy
By Tama Peretengboro
The Chairman, Waterways and Land Security Committee, Chief Boro Opudu, and the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro will lead dignitaries at the 57th Boro Day Celebration organised by the Ijaw Youth Council, Western Zone.
While Chief Boro will oversee the memorial event as Chairman of the Day, Dr. Otuaro will stand in as Special Guest of Honour.
The event themed ‘The Genesis of the 12 Days Revolution Struggle: Our Pains and Gains in Retrospect’ is slated for Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Tunde Smooth Playground, along NPA Expressway, Warri, Delta State.
Activities include a vibrant procession showcasing the spirit and resilience of the Ijaw people together with an insightful symposium reflecting on the legacy of the 12 Days Revolution.
The IYC Western Zone, in collaboration with the 2025 Boro Day Committee, uses this medium to invite all clans, youth bodies, critical stakeholders, and concerned parties to join us as we celebrate and reflect on the impact of Boro.
Tare Magbei
Information Officer, IYC Western Zone
Secretary, 57th Boro Day Committee, IYC Western Zone
By Admin
Burutu, Delta State – The Executive Chairman of Burutu local Government Area, High chief Dr. Julius Takeme(JP),PhD, has extended an open invitation to all Nigerians to unite with the people of Burutu in paying their final respects to the revered Ijaw patriarch, Pa. Sen. Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.
Dr.Takeme assured the public of Burutu’s readiness to receive all guests with warmth and dignity throughout the duration of the funeral events. He emphasized that the Burutu people are fully prepared to host dignitaries, mourners, and will-wishers who will gather to honour the life and legacy of the Elder Statesman.
These the Burutu LGA Chairman said while taking an on-tge-spot assessment of the arena in Kiagbodo on May 10, 2025.
Iduwinivoice had earlier reported that the week-long funeral ceremonies for the respected southern and middle belt leader commenced since May 7, 2025 in Abuja, will climax on May 12 before final interment on May 13. And come to a close on May 17 with a Thanksgiving service.
As part of the official plans, Pa. Clark’s body is scheduled to be flown from Abuja to Yenagoa on Monday, may 12, where it will make a ceremonial stop at the iconic Izon ware (Ijaw House). From there, the remains will be transported to his residence in Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri, for further tributes.
The final journey will take the body to Kiagbodo town in Burutu local Government Area for traditional and social wake-keeping ceremonies, culminating in his interment on Tuesday, May 13 2025.
Pa. Edwin Clark, know for his towering influence in Nigerian politics and advocacy for the rights of the Niger Delta and other oppressed people, is being remembered nationwide for his enduring legacy of leadership and service.
By Prof. Binebai
In the pantheon of Nigerian legends, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark stands as a colossus, his presence casting a long shadow over the landscape of Nigeria’ s history. Like a mighty baobab tree, his roots dug deep into the earth, nourished by the rich soil of his convictions. His voice, a thunderclap that shook the foundations of power, echoed through the corridors of time, a clarion call to justice and righteousness.
As a titan of Nigerian politics, Chief Clark’s stature was imposing, his gaze piercing, and his words imbued with the weight of wisdom. He strode through the treacherous waters of Nigerian politics with the certainty of a man who knew his purpose, leaving in his wake a trail of transformative impact. His was a life that defied the limits of mortality, his legacy a burning ember that would ignite generations to come.
Like the great River Niger, which flows through the heart of our nation, Chief Clark’s life was a strong evidence of the power of perseverance and determination. He navigated the twists and turns of Nigeria’s tumultuous history with the skill of a seasoned navigator, always keeping his eyes fixed on the horizon of a better tomorrow. His was a journey marked by courage,conviction, and an unbending commitment to the principles of justice and equality.
In Nigerian politics, Chief Kiagbodo Clark was a mythical figure, a demigod whose exploits would be told and retold for generations to come. His name became synonymous with wisdom, integrity, and statesmanship, a ray of hope in a world beset by darkness and despair. His legacy would inspire countless others to follow in his footsteps, striving to make a difference in the lives of their fellow human beings.
As the sun sets on his mortal coil, Chief Clark’s spirit remains, a shining presence that continues to guide and inspire. His voice, though silenced, still echoes through the chambers of our collective memory, reminding us of the power of conviction and the importance of standing up for what is right. His life was a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for greatness, a flame that would burn brightly for generations to come.
In the annals of Nigerian history, Chief Clark’s name would be engraved in letters of gold, a signature of his enduring legacy. His was a life that would be celebrated, his achievements revered, and his memory cherished. As a nation, we would continue to draw inspiration from his remarkable journey, striving to emulate his example of leadership, wisdom, and courage.
As we bid farewell to this titan of Nigerian politics and the foremost Ijaw nationalist, we take comfort in the knowledge that his legacy would live on, a guiding light that would illuminate the path to a brighter future. Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark may have left us, but his spirit remains a powerful reminder of the impact one man can have on the lives of many. His was a life that would be remembered for generations to come, a shining example of what it means to live a life of purpose, conviction, and service to humanity.