IYC President Slams Wike Over ‘Reckless’ Remarks Against Ijaw Nation

**Calls On Him To Follow The Peace Process Gov Fubara Has Already Started.

The President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri, has criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for making what he described as insulting and disrespectful remarks against the Ijaw Nation and its respected leaders, including the late Pa Clark. Lokpobiri expressed his displeasure over Wike’s comments, which he claimed injected ethnic sentiments into the minister’s ongoing political dispute with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tari Agai, Lokpobiri accused Wike of forgetting the role played by the Ijaw people, particularly former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, in making him governor. He argued that Wike was elevated over more qualified Ijaw candidates during his rise to power, despite lacking support from his own Ikwerre kinsmen.

Lokpobiri, who also serves as Chairman of the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum, stated that the Ijaw people cannot sit idly by while the only Ijaw governor in the state in the past 24 years faces removal less than a year into his tenure. He emphasized that the Ijaw people have consistently pursued peace, yet they are troubled by a conflict that offers them no benefit.

The IYC President urged Wike to support Governor Fubara’s peace efforts if he truly cares about the stability of the state. He advised the minister to adopt a more rational and strategic approach rather than allowing emotions to dictate his actions. He reminded Wike that politics is about interests, and since some Ijaw people support him, any insult directed at the Ijaw community also affects his own allies within the group.

Lokpobiri stressed that the Ijaw people hold a numerical majority in the Niger Delta and have always valued collaboration and mutual respect. He asserted that they expect the same level of respect in return and rejected the notion of an inherent conflict between the Ijaw and Ikwerre people.

He further stated that no political dispute is beyond resolution if approached with trust and compromise. He called on Wike to refrain from making inflammatory statements that could escalate ethnic tensions in Rivers State. Instead, he urged him to embrace the ongoing peace process initiated by Governor Fubara and contribute positively toward ensuring long-term stability in the state.