Ijaw Leader Criticizes Wike, Warns Against Political Intimidation

Werinipre Noel Digifa, the Supreme Leader of the Supreme Egbesu Assembly (SEA), has strongly criticized Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accusing him of harassing and intimidating the Governor of Rivers State. Digifa also condemned Wike’s alleged insults against the Ijaw ethnic group, warning that the people of the Niger Delta are not weak and will resist any form of oppression.

In a statement, Digifa expressed deep concern over the ongoing political developments, describing them as a deliberate attack on the Ijaw people. He accused Wike of arrogance and disrespect, stating that his actions were avoidable but were enabled by former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience Jonathan, who supported Wike’s rise to power.

He further criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allowing the crisis to escalate, stating that he had previously believed in Tinubu’s leadership capabilities but now questioned his ability to govern effectively. Digifa suggested that intelligence agencies such as the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the National Security Adviser might not be providing Tinubu with accurate reports on the situation, or that the president was deliberately ignoring them.

Drawing historical parallels, Digifa warned that past attempts to suppress the Ijaw people had led to unintended consequences. He cited the Nigerian government’s previous conflicts with the Niger Delta region and claimed that similar actions against Ijaw interests could have serious repercussions. He also cautioned Tinubu against trusting Wike, whom he described as a political opportunist who had betrayed past allies, including former Rivers State governors Peter Odili and Rotimi Amaechi, as well as former President Jonathan and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

According to Digifa, Wike’s actions could eventually damage the relationship between the Yoruba and Ijaw people. He warned that if the Yoruba nation, led by Tinubu, continued to support Wike’s alleged oppression, they might face consequences from forces that have historically protected the Ijaw nation. He stated that just as other groups that attempted to suppress the Ijaw had faced repercussions, the same fate could befall those who support Wike’s current political maneuvers.

Despite the ongoing tensions, Digifa expressed confidence that the Ijaw people would emerge victorious, asserting that they have overcome greater challenges in the past. He also dismissed the use of federal power and the Supreme Court to intimidate the Ijaw people, insisting that they would not be silenced or defeated.

The political climate in Rivers State remains highly volatile, with tensions between Wike and the current state leadership escalating. The Ijaw nation, a significant ethnic group in the Niger Delta, has historically been vocal in defending its political and economic interests. Digifa’s statement underscores the growing dissatisfaction among Ijaw leaders regarding recent political developments and their potential impact on the region.

As the crisis unfolds, all eyes are on how President Tinubu, the federal government, and other stakeholders will respond to the concerns raised by Ijaw leaders.