Ijaw Nation Stands United: Calls for Justice and Wike’s Suspension Over Ethnic Remarks – Chief Dan Ekpebide and Other Speakers Speak Out.

Bomadi, Delta State – The Congress for Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities (CONDEN) led a powerful one-day rally on March 25, 2025, in Bomadi, demanding justice, self-determination, and an end to the marginalization of the Ijaw people. The event, themed “Stand Up for Ijaw Nation & Papa Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark”, gathered key Ijaw leaders, traditional rulers, and youth groups to honor the late elder statesman while addressing pressing political issues.

During the event, leaders called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over alleged derogatory remarks against the Ijaw people and Pa E.K. Clark. The President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, denounced Wike’s comments, stating that they insulted the entire Ijaw nation.

We have been silent for too long. Wike, who spoke against the Ijaw people, is now facing the consequences of his own words,” Okaba declared, hinting at further protests across Bayelsa and Rivers states. “We will no longer tolerate disrespect, neglect, and oppression in our own land.”

Pioneer president of the Ijaw Youths Council, Dr Felix Tuodolo, a key figure in the 1998 Kaiama Declaration, also criticized Wike for misrepresenting the Ijaw as a minority group, stating, “The Ijaw are the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria and the majority in Rivers State. Wike is poor in history and mathematics for suggesting otherwise.”

Comrade Nicholas Tamara-Denyefa Igarama, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone, emphasized that the Ijaw people are peaceful but have been unfairly treated. “We are supposed to live like the people of Saudi Arabia, benefiting from our resources, but we have been marginalized and left in a sorry state,” he lamented. “The government must stop playing politics with our future and recognize our rights and restore the Governor Fubura back because allegations against his is baseless .”

Chief Dan Ekpebide, another key convener urged President Tinubu to sack Nyesom Wike, accusing him of being a serial betrayer and a drunkard. He cited past betrayals, including Patience Jonathan (Goodluck Jonathan’s wife), Rotimi Amaechi, and Peter Odili, stating that Wike’s reckless utterances disgrace leadership. Ekpebide criticized Tinubu’s association with Wike, calling him a drunkard who embarrassed himself during the Turkish President’s visit. He also claimed Wike was incoherent during his Arise TV interview, suggesting he was not in the right state of mind. “If you give Wike power, he will betray you,” he warned.

Veteran actress and activist Mrs. Hilda Dokubo warned Tinubu not to lose 40 million Ijaw votes over Wike, emphasizing that the 2027 elections are near.

The rally also saw solidarity from other Niger Delta ethnic groups, who reiterated their support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and condemned political interference in the state’s governance.

Hendrick Opukeme speaking on behalf of the conveners, declared, “This is just the beginning. We will mobilize, we will protest, and we will not stop until justice is served for the Ijaw people.”

The event concluded with a renewed commitment to fight for the rights and dignity of the Ijaw people, ensuring their voices are heard at the national level.