The Ijaw socio-cultural group, the Ijaw Nation Development Group (INDG), has slammed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his recent inflammatory remarks against the Ijaw, and his open disregard to the authority of the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalaiyi Fubara.
The group said Ijaw patriots played a pivotal role in the creation of Rivers State, and as such will not allow their contributions, and sacrifices to be dismissed or disrespected.
The group, in a statement issued at the weekend and signed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustee, Dennis Banigo and the President; Prof. Prosper Ayawei, declared that the Ijaw stands united against the disrespect, and provocation of the Ijaw.
It condemned the recent inflammatory remarks made by Wike, which not only desecrate the dignity of the
Ijaw Nation, but also undermines the authority of Gov. Fubara.
“The Ijaw people, as the largest ethnic group in Rivers State with the highest number of local government
areas, cannot and will not be relegated to the background or regarded as a minority.
“It is a historical fact that Ijaw patriots played a pivotal role in the creation of Rivers State, and we will not allow our contributions, and sacrifices to be dismissed or disrespected.
“It is particularly, disheartening that Mr. Wike, who rose to power through the benevolence, and support of the Ijaw people, has chosen to cast aspersions upon the very community that stood by him.
“Such actions are not only ungrateful, but also divisive and unbecoming of a leader who once held the highest office in the state.
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“We issue a strong warning to Mr. Wike to cease, and desist from further careless altercations, and inflammatory comments that have the potential to incite tribal conflict, and disrupt the peace and harmony of Rivers State. The Ijaw Nation will not tolerate any attempt to sow discord or destabilize Rivers State.
“Furthermore, we call on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene and caution Mr. Wike against actions, and rhetoric that could spark communal, and political unrest capable of threatening the survival of
Nigeria’s nascent democracy and economic prosperity.
“Leadership demands responsibility, and it is imperative that all public figures act with the utmost decorum, and respect for the unity of our nation.
“The Ijaw Nation Development Group (INDG) remains steadfast in our commitment to fostering unity, promoting development, and safeguarding the rights and dignity of our people.
“We will continue to work tirelessly with the Ijaw National Congress (INC), and other well-meaning people and organizations to ensure that the Ijaw Nation, and Rivers State thrive in peace, harmony, and prosperity,” the group said.
