WIKE UNDER INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL- IJAW LEADER BLASTS FCT MINISTER. (PHOTO).

 Wike under influence of alcohol – Ijaw leader blasts FCT Minister

The President of the Ijaw National Congress, INC, Professor Benjamin Okaba, has strongly criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his recent remarks regarding the Ijaw ethnic group.

Okaba described Wike as a “careless speaker” who often makes unguarded statements, sometimes under the influence of alcohol.

The criticism follows Wike’s controversial claim that the Ijaws are a minority ethnic group in Nigeria.

His statement, made during a press briefing on the ongoing political crisis between him and his successor as Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has sparked outrage among Ijaw leaders.

Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, Okaba dismissed Wike’s comment, emphasizing that the Ijaws are among the four largest ethnic groups in Nigeria.

“The person you’re talking about (Wike) could say anything under the influence of alcohol and later debunk it; he is a very careless speaker,” Okaba stated.

“These are basic demographics that are well-known. Ijaws are not the fourth largest; they are one of the four largest.”

The sociology professor further elaborated that the Ijaw people’s influence extends beyond land territories into Nigeria’s riverine areas.

He argued that census figures have historically been distorted and that the true population strength of the Ijaws is yet to be properly accounted for.

“We are not minorities. In fact, we are the most populous and most indigenous ethnic nationality in the Niger Delta. That is a fact that is well known. Ijaws are in six states,” Okaba added.

Apart from Bayelsa State, he noted that the Ijaws have significant indigenous populations in Abia, Delta, Edo, Ondo, and Rivers states.

He pointed out that in Abia alone, there are 26 Ijaw communities, while in Rivers, Ijaws are indigenous to over ten local government areas.

Okaba accused Wike of deliberately distorting historical and demographic facts to serve his political interests.

He also urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that no individual undermines democratic stability in Nigeria, warning that Wike’s political relevance is tied solely to his position in government.

“We felt that was a deliberate distortion. Forget about those who distorted political census figures; when the time comes for real counting, we shall know them,” Okaba said.

The comments reflect growing tensions between Wike and key Ijaw political figures, particularly in the ongoing crisis in Rivers State.

Observers believe that the dispute could have far-reaching political implications ahead of future elections and governance in the Niger Delta region.