In a statement that has reignited tensions in Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), declared that the Ijaw ethnic group does not constitute a majority in any Niger Delta state except Bayelsa. Wike made these remarks during a media parley on Wednesday, further fueling the ongoing political feud between him and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who is of Ijaw descent.
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“Wike’s Bold Assertion: Ijaw Can’t Govern Without Support”
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, claimed that an Ijaw man would not have become governor in Rivers State without his backing. “Ijaw doesn’t constitute the majority of the Niger Delta. People must speak the truth. Heaven will not fall,” Wike stated. He added, “In Akwa Ibom, Ijaw can’t be governor. In Delta State, Ijaw is the minority of the minorities. The only place an Ijaw man can solely be the governor is in Bayelsa State, not in Edo or Rivers states.”
These comments come amid a deepening political crisis in Rivers State, where Wike and Governor Fubara have been locked in a bitter power struggle. Wike’s remarks are seen as a direct challenge to Fubara’s leadership and the Ijaw community’s influence in the state.
“The Political Feud: Wike vs. Fubara”
The rift between Wike and Fubara has dominated Rivers State politics since Fubara assumed office. Wike, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been accused of attempting to undermine Fubara’s administration, while Fubara has sought to assert his independence.
Wike’s latest comments have drawn sharp reactions from political analysts and stakeholders, with many viewing them as an attempt to diminish the Ijaw community’s political relevance in Rivers State.
“Ijaw Community Reacts”
The Ijaw ethnic group, one of the largest in the Niger Delta, has historically played a significant role in the region’s politics. Wike’s assertion that the Ijaw are a minority in Rivers State has been met with skepticism and criticism. Many argue that the Ijaw population in Rivers State is substantial and has been instrumental in shaping the state’s political landscape.
“What’s Next for Rivers State?”
As the political crisis in Rivers State continues to escalate, the focus remains on how Governor Fubara will navigate the challenges posed by Wike’s influence. The feud has already disrupted governance in the state, with recent reports of Fubara being locked out of the Rivers State Assembly complex during a budget presentation.
Wike’s comments have further polarized the political climate, raising questions about the future of Rivers State’s leadership and the role of ethnic politics in the region.