By Parrot Newspaper Wike Can Say Anything Under Alcohol Influence – Ijaw National President
By Ricky Awodi
The President of the Ijaw National Congress, Professor Benjamin Okaba, has strongly criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his recent comments regarding the Ijaw people. Okaba dismissed Wike as a “careless speaker” who, he alleged, often makes reckless statements, sometimes under the influence of alcohol.
Wike’s Controversial Comment Sparks Outrage
Wike recently stirred controversy when he claimed that the Ijaw people are a minority ethnic group in Nigeria. The statement, made while addressing journalists on the ongoing political crisis between him and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, has been met with strong reactions from the Ijaw community.
Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on April 2, 2025, Prof. Okaba refuted Wike’s claim, emphasizing that the Ijaw people are not a minority but one of Nigeria’s four largest ethnic groups.
“Wike Is A Careless Speaker” – Prof. Okaba
The sociology professor did not mince words when addressing Wike’s remark.
“The person you’re talking about (Wike) could say anything under the influence of alcohol and later debunk it; he is a very careless speaker,” Okaba stated.
According to him, the Ijaw people’s population and territorial spread prove that they are far from being a minority.
“Ijaws are not the fourth largest; they are one of the four largest ethnic groups in Nigeria. Most times, people only consider land mass, forgetting that a significant part of Nigeria’s geographical space includes water bodies. Ijawland extends beyond what is traditionally considered in census calculations,” he explained.
Ijaw’s Territorial and Population Strength
Okaba stressed that the Ijaws are the most populous indigenous group in the Niger Delta, with a significant presence in at least six states across the country.
“We are not minorities. In fact, we are the most populous and most indigenous ethnic nationality in the Niger Delta. That is a well-known fact. Ijaws are in six states,” he maintained.
The Ijaw leader listed these states as Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Edo, Ondo, and Abia. He also provided further details about their territorial spread.
“In Abia State, 26 communities are indigenous Ijaw settlements. In Delta State, we occupy more than four local government areas. In Rivers State, we have control of ten and a half local government areas, whereas the Ikwerre people, to which Wike belongs, have only three,” he asserted.
He further criticized past population figures, suggesting they had been manipulated to suit political interests.
“Forget about those who distorted political census figures. When the time comes for real counting, we shall know the truth,” he added.
Calls For President Tinubu To Rein In Wike
Prof. Okaba warned that Wike’s influence, if left unchecked, could undermine democratic stability in Nigeria. He urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that individuals like Wike do not derail governance efforts with inflammatory statements.
“President Tinubu must not allow one individual to destroy his efforts to entrench democracy in Nigeria. Wike is nothing outside government,” he concluded.
The Bigger Picture
Wike’s ongoing political battles, particularly his rift with his successor Fubara, continue to dominate discussions in Rivers State and beyond. His statements, often controversial, have fueled tensions, especially within ethnic and political circles.
While the former Rivers governor remains a key figure in Nigerian politics, his comments about the Ijaw people have reignited debates on ethnic representation, historical distortions, and political maneuvering in the Niger Delta region.
As the political climate heats up, the Ijaw National Congress has made it clear: they will not allow misinformation to downplay their significance in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.