By Kolawole Ojebisi
The President of the Ijaw National Congress, Professor Benjamin Okaba, has slammed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his recent remarks on the Ijaw ethnic group
Okaba described Wike as a man who says anything under the influence of alcohol and later debunk it, adding that the minister is a very careless speaker.
The INC president stated this on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Wednesday.
“The person you’re talking about (Wike) could say anything under the influence of alcohol and later debunk it; he is a very careless speaker,” Okaba stated.
Okaba dismissed Wike’s comment, emphasising that the Ijaws are among the four largest ethnic groups in Nigeria.
“These are basic demographics that are well-known. Ijaws are not the fourth largest; they are one of the four largest.”
The sociology professor further elaborated that the Ijaw people’s influence extends beyond land territories into Nigeria’s riverine areas.
He argued that census figures have historically been distorted and that the true population strength of the Ijaws is yet to be properly accounted for.
“We are not minorities. In fact, we are the most populous and most indigenous ethnic nationality in the Niger Delta. That is a fact that is well known. Ijaws are in six states,” Okaba added.
Apart from Bayelsa State, he noted that the Ijaws have significant indigenous populations in Abia, Delta, Edo, Ondo, and Rivers states.
He pointed out that in Abia alone, there are 26 Ijaw communities, while in Rivers, Ijaws are indigenous to over ten local government areas.
Okaba accused Wike of deliberately distorting historical and demographic facts to serve his political interests.
He also urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that no individual undermines democratic stability in Nigeria, warning that Wike’s political relevance is tied solely to his position in government.
“We felt that was a deliberate distortion. Forget about those who distorted political census figures; when the time comes for real counting, we shall know them,” Okaba said.
The comments reflect growing tensions between Wike and key Ijaw political figures, particularly in the ongoing crisis in Rivers State.
Observers believe that the dispute could have far-reaching political implications ahead of future elections and governance in the Niger Delta region.
