Tensions flared in the Niger Delta on Tuesday as Ijaw youths under the banner of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Central Zone, staged a mass protest, blocking the Mbiama axis of the East/West Road to demand the removal of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The protest follows Wike’s recent controversial remarks against Ijaw leaders and the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), which have sparked outrage across the region. The demonstrators, chanting anti-Wike slogans, set up barricades along the crucial highway, disrupting traffic and vowing to continue their demonstration until their demands are met.
Growing tensions over Wike’s comments
The unrest stems from Wike’s March 12 media chat, where he allegedly disparaged PANDEF, calling it “the worst organization ever” and accusing its members of seeking financial gains from their meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
PANDEF, led by its National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Igali, condemned Wike’s remarks as disrespectful and an attack on respected Niger Delta elders, including the late Chief E.K. Clark and King Alfred Diete-Spiff, who chairs PANDEF’s Board of Trustees. The forum accused Wike of attempting to undermine regional unity and reconciliation efforts in Rivers State.
PANDEF calls for Tinubu’s intervention
PANDEF had earlier called on President Tinubu to intervene, urging him to rein in Wike and ensure respect for South-South leaders. The forum emphasized its role in advocating for peace in Rivers State, increased regional development, and environmental remediation in oil-producing communities.
READ ALSO: PANDEF Slams Wike Over Disparaging Remarks, Calls for Tinubu’s Intervention
Despite PANDEF’s ongoing peace efforts, the group noted that Wike had continuously ignored calls for dialogue, further escalating tensions in the region.
Protesters issue ultimatum
The protesting Ijaw youths have vowed to sustain the road blockade until President Tinubu removes Wike from office. They described the FCT Minister’s comments as an insult to the Ijaw nation and the entire Niger Delta, warning that his continued presence in government could destabilize the region.
As of press time, there has been no official response from Wike, the federal government, or security agencies regarding the protest. However, observers fear that the situation could escalate if the government fails to address the growing discontent among Niger Delta youths.
This is a developing story.