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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 Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — IduwiniVoice Media Limited has lauded the leadership of Prof. Benjamin Okaba, outgoing President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), for overseeing what it described as a historic and credible electoral process, with particular emphasis on the successful deployment of a fully electronic voting system.
In a congratulatory message signed by its Chief Executive Officer/Editor-in-Chief, Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, the media organisation commended Okaba for demonstrating “leadership, intellectual capacity and sagacity” throughout his tenure, noting that his insistence on conducting elections ahead of the constitutional deadline preserved the integrity of the council.
The statement stressed that the decision to avoid any form of interim or ad-hoc leadership structure “saved the Ijaw nation from a familiar pitfall that could have weakened its governance framework,” describing the move as a bold commitment to democratic principles.
Of particular significance, the organisation highlighted the introduction and execution of a fully electronic voting system, which it said marked a turning point in the conduct of internal elections within the Ijaw nation.
According to IduwiniVoice, Okaba’s “provision of necessary resources for the deployment of a totally electronic voting system is astutely exemplary,” adding that the process ensured transparency, efficiency, and credibility throughout the April 13, 2026 elections.
The media outfit further noted that the seamless conduct of the poll, characterized by real-time voting and result transmission, has set a new benchmark not only for socio-cultural organisations but also for national electoral bodies. It described the innovation as “a credible lesson” for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging that such technology be scaled up and replicated in Nigeria’s general elections to enhance public trust and electoral integrity.
IduwiniVoice also used the opportunity to commend the peaceful transition process initiated by the outgoing leadership, noting that Okaba’s readiness to hand over power to a successor reflects a rare commitment to democratic values in a region where leadership continuity is often contested.
The statement added that, “in a world where privileged individuals often cling to power, Prof. Okaba has once again demonstrated that greed, selfishness, and sit-tight tendencies are not reflective of the true character of an Ijaw son.”
As the INC prepares for a new phase under incoming leadership, the organisation wished the outgoing president a smooth transition and success in his future endeavours, applauding his “true patriotism and unwavering service to the Ijaw nation.”
The April 13 election, widely regarded as one of the most technologically driven in the history of the INC, has continued to attract commendation from stakeholders across the Niger Delta, with observers citing the electronic voting model as a pathway for broader electoral reforms in Nigeria.
By Charity Ebi
The emergence of Chief (Amb.) Sheriff Mulade as National Treasurer of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has been described as a strong endorsement of accountability and reform within the apex Ijaw socio-cultural body.
Reacting to the outcome of the April 13, 2026 national elections, the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) said Mulade’s victory reflects the trust reposed in him by delegates across the region, citing his long-standing advocacy for peace, environmental justice, and good governance.
In a statement issued by its President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the forum noted that the election outcome demonstrates a collective desire among Ijaw stakeholders for transparent financial leadership at a time when the INC is expected to reposition itself for greater impact.
Mulade, who is also the National President of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), clinched the treasurer position after a keen contest that attracted widespread interest within the Niger Delta. His emergence, according to observers, signals a shift toward experienced leadership with a proven record in community engagement and advocacy.
The IPF emphasised that the new treasurer’s reputation for prudence and integrity places him in a strategic position to strengthen financial discipline within the congress. The forum added that effective management of resources would be critical in enabling the INC to meet its objectives and respond to the evolving needs of the Ijaw people.
It further urged stakeholders, including leaders, youths, and affiliated groups, to rally support for the newly elected executives to ensure stability and continuity in the organisation’s programmes.
Analysts view Mulade’s election as a defining moment for the INC, expressing optimism that his leadership in the treasury will contribute to improved transparency and institutional growth.
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote unity, development, and responsible leadership across Ijawland, while wishing the new treasurer a productive tenure.
By Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has congratulated High Chief Barr. MacDonald Ebi Igbadiwei on his emergence as President-elect of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) following the April 13, 2026 election held at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
In a statement released on Monday, the National President of IPF, Ozobo Austin, described Igbadiwei’s victory as a significant turning point for the Ijaw nation, noting that the outcome reflects the collective will and aspirations of the people.
According to the Forum, the mandate given to the President-elect goes beyond electoral success, representing a deeper trust reposed in a leader believed to possess a clear understanding of the region’s historical struggles and the pathway to its progress.
“Igbadiwei rises from the very essence of our land. His emergence signals that the right leadership has taken charge at a critical time,” the statement noted, adding that the moment resonates strongly across Ijaw communities.
The IPF highlighted Igbadiwei’s experience, communication skills, and intellectual depth as qualities that position him to steer the affairs of the Ijaw nation effectively. It expressed confidence that his leadership would foster unity, strengthen communal identity, and advance the socio-political and economic interests of the people.
The Forum further urged the President-elect to remain guided by the collective aspirations of the Ijaw people, emphasizing the need for inclusive leadership anchored on cultural values and shared responsibility.
Meanwhile, the IPF called on all aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders in the recently concluded election to set aside their differences in the interest of unity and progress. It described the contest as an internal democratic exercise that should not create lasting divisions among Ijaw people.
The Forum stressed that pressing challenges facing the region—including environmental concerns, development deficits, and political representation—require a united and coordinated approach.
It appealed to former contenders to contribute their ideas, experience, and support to the new leadership, noting that collective effort remains essential in advancing the Ijaw cause.
According to the IPF, history will favour those who prioritise the common good over personal ambition, urging all sons and daughters of Ijaw land to rally behind the new INC leadership in building a stronger and more prosperous future for the nation.