Thousands of youths from the Niger Delta region, under the umbrella of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), have staged a massive protest demanding the immediate removal of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike. They warned that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s failure to take action could have serious political consequences for his anticipated re-election bid in 2027.
The large-scale demonstration took place on Tuesday, with IYC members blocking the critical East/West Road for over ten hours. This led to a significant disruption of economic activities, as the route serves as a vital link between the Niger Delta region, Lagos, and the northeastern part of the country.
Reason for the Protest
Speaking to Vanguard, the National President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Dr. Alaye Theophilus, who led the protest, explained that the demonstration was a direct response to what he described as disrespectful and derogatory remarks made by Wike against the Ijaw people.
According to Theophilus, the youths had taken to the streets to send a clear message that they would no longer tolerate such insults.
“The Ijaw youths have come out today to say ‘enough is enough.’ The uncomplimentary and demeaning statements made by the FCT Minister against the Ijaw Nation are completely unacceptable. We are demanding that President Tinubu call him to order before the situation escalates further,” he stated.
Ultimatum to the Federal Government
Dr. Theophilus warned that if their grievances were not addressed before Friday, March 21, the protests would continue indefinitely.
“We cannot stand by and allow one man to create political instability in Rivers State while simultaneously disrespecting the Ijaw ethnic nationality, as if he is some kind of emperor,” he declared.
The IYC President particularly condemned Wike’s claim that the Ijaw people are a “minority within the minorities,” describing it as an insult that has deeply wounded the pride of the Ijaw Nation.
Accusation Against Wike and Warning to Tinubu
Theophilus accused Wike of being the mastermind behind the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, which has seen a prolonged power struggle and rising tensions. He warned that if President Tinubu failed to intervene, he would be held responsible for any further escalation of the crisis.
“The East/West Road is a major economic lifeline, connecting several parts of the country, including the Niger Delta, Lagos, and the Northeast. If these protests persist, they will cause significant disruptions to businesses and economic activities. However, we have a constitutional right to peacefully express our grievances,” Theophilus emphasized.
He further cautioned that President Tinubu’s silence or inaction on the matter could jeopardize his chances in the 2027 elections if the Ijaw people feel sidelined or ignored.
“If the President values his re-election ambition in 2027, he must act decisively and remove Wike from office to restore peace in Rivers State and avoid further unrest,” Theophilus declared.
Protesters Demand Swift Action
The demonstration attracted Ijaw youths from various states, including Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta, showing the widespread frustration within the ethnic group.
While the protest was peaceful, the demonstrators made it clear that if the federal government failed to take swift action, future demonstrations could be more intense and uncontrollable.
The Ijaw Youth Council urged the federal government to act promptly to prevent further disruptions and to safeguard the economic stability of the region.
As tensions remain high, all eyes are now on President Tinubu’s response to the growing agitation from the Ijaw youths.
