By Francis Dufugha
In a time when Nigeria’s fragile unity requires responsible leadership and mutual respect among its diverse ethnic groups, the recent outburst by Nyesom Wike against the Ijaw people is both unfortunate and unacceptable. The former governor of Rivers State, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has, once again, demonstrated his penchant for divisive politics and verbal attacks, this time targeting a people whose contributions to the socio-political and economic development of the Niger Delta—and Nigeria at large—cannot be overstated.
Wike’s history of controversial statements is well-documented, but his recent attack on the Ijaw ethnic group is particularly troubling. The Ijaw people, who are indigenous to Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and parts of Ondo and Akwa Ibom states, have long played a crucial role in the struggle for resource control, environmental justice, and equitable governance in Nigeria. Their resilience in the face of marginalization, neglect, and environmental degradation caused by oil exploration is legendary. Therefore, for Wike to castigate them in the manner he did is not only disrespectful but also exposes his deep-seated political vendetta.
One must ask: What exactly does Wike seek to achieve with such inflammatory rhetoric? Is it an attempt to undermine the political relevance of the Ijaw people in Rivers State? Or is he deliberately fanning the embers of ethnic discord to advance his personal political interests? Whatever his intentions, his remarks are a stark reminder of the dangerous politics of division that has kept the Niger Delta from attaining true unity and collective progress.
It is ironic that Wike, who rode on the goodwill of the Niger Delta struggle to power, would turn around to vilify a people whose sacrifices made possible the political leverage he once enjoyed. His statements reflect a disturbing pattern of arrogance and political betrayal that has characterized his public engagements since leaving office as governor. Rather than build bridges across ethnic lines, he has continued to widen the gulf of discontent through inflammatory statements and antagonistic politics.
The Ijaw people, like every other ethnic nationality in Nigeria, deserve respect. They have produced eminent leaders, scholars, activists, and professionals who have made significant contributions to national development. They have also been at the forefront of the fight for justice and fairness in the Niger Delta. Wike’s attempt to paint them in a negative light is, therefore, a gross misrepresentation of reality.
The Niger Delta, more than ever before, needs unity. The challenges of underdevelopment, environmental degradation, and political marginalization require collective action, not the divisive outbursts of a self-serving politician. Leaders from the region must rise above ethnic sentiment and focus on the bigger picture—economic emancipation, infrastructural development, and political cohesion.
It is imperative that well-meaning stakeholders, including the Rivers State government, traditional rulers, and opinion leaders, call Wike to order. His utterances do not reflect the aspirations of the people of Rivers State, nor do they align with the collective struggle of the Niger Delta. We must not allow one man’s political ambitions to derail the unity and progress of the region.
In conclusion, Wike must remember that power is transient. The same Ijaw people he seeks to vilify today are integral to the political and economic stability of Rivers State and the Niger Delta. History has never been kind to leaders who use their positions to sow discord rather than promote peace and development. He must retrace his steps, or risk being remembered as a leader who thrived on division rather than unity.
The Niger Delta cannot afford to be distracted. It is time to move forward together.