Thousands of Niger Delta youths under the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) have staged a massive protest, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sack the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The youths warned that Tinubu’s failure to act could negatively impact his chances in the 2027 presidential election.
The demonstration, which took place on Tuesday, saw protesters blocking the East/West Road for over ten hours, bringing economic activities to a standstill.
The IYC vowed to continue the protests if their demand is ignored.
Leading the protest, IYC President, Dr. Alaye Theophilus, condemned Wike’s alleged derogatory remarks about the Ijaw people. He described the former Rivers State governor’s comments as an “insult” and called on President Tinubu to intervene.
“The youths have come out today to say enough is enough. The FCT Minister’s uncomplimentary statements about the Ijaw Nation are unacceptable. We are here to demand that President Tinubu call him to order,” Theophilus told Vanguard.
He further issued an ultimatum, warning that if action is not taken by Friday, March 21, fresh protests would erupt.
The IYC accused Wike of fueling the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State and warned that his actions could destabilize the region.
Theophilus slammed Wike’s reported claim that the Ijaw people are a “minority within the minorities,” calling it an unacceptable insult.
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“We cannot allow one man to cause problems in Rivers State and disrespect the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality as if he is an emperor,” he added.
The protesters also stressed that the East/West Road is a vital economic route linking the Niger Delta to Lagos and the Northeast.
While their demonstration remained peaceful, they cautioned that prolonged unrest could have serious economic consequences.
“If the President values his 2027 re-election ambition, he should act now and remove Wike to restore peace in Rivers State,” Theophilus warned.
Ijaw youths from Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta States participated in the protest, emphasizing their determination to resist any attempts to undermine their people.
While urging the government to act swiftly, they hinted that future demonstrations might not be as restrained.
The IYC reiterated its demand for Wike’s removal and urged the federal government to prioritize stability in the region before tensions escalate further.