By Daniel Abia, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has dismissed as misinformed the recent comment by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, that the Ijaws are the “minority of minorities” in Rivers State.

In a statement issued on Friday in Port Harcourt, the INC expressed disappointment, stating that given Wike’s eight-year tenure as Governor of Rivers State, a more informed understanding of the state’s history was expected.

The National Publicity Secretary of INC, Engr. Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, emphasized that Wike’s remark “betrays a lack of intellectual depth” and does not reflect historical or demographic realities.

“For the record, the Ijaws are not a minority of minorities. We are the fourth-largest ethnic group in Nigeria and the largest ethnic group in Rivers State, with a significant presence in eight local government areas. The Ijaws also have substantial populations in Delta and other states,” the statement read.

The INC suggested that Wike’s comment may have stemmed from misinformation, adding that the Ijaw people remain committed to fairness, equity, and peaceful coexistence in the Niger Delta region.

The group further urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution Minister Wike and redirect his focus to his ministerial responsibilities, assuring that the INC remains dedicated to maintaining peace and stability in the Niger Delta.




https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/ijaw-minority-comment-wikes-statement-based-on-misinformation-inc/