During a ceremony held by the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress to honor him, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, took the opportunity to reflect on his contributions to the Ijaw people and criticize public figures who, he claimed, falsely present themselves as leaders of the community. The event, which aired on Channels Television from 12:38, saw Wike highlight his pivotal role in ensuring that an Ijaw man, Siminalayi Fubara, became the Governor of Rivers State, a milestone that had long eluded the Ijaw people.
“I have made an Ijaw man Governor of Rivers State. By the grace of God. God used all of us here. We had sleepless nights. So who loves the Ijaw people more?” Wike asked, drawing cheers and chants from the crowd, who responded, “You!”
In his speech, Wike expressed frustration at those who frequently appear on television and claim to speak for the Ijaw people like Pa Edwin Clar, yet have not achieved any significant political successes for the community. “Is it the people who come out on television, who cannot even make their Ijaw brother Governor?” Wike asked, referring to media personalities who, in his view, have failed to secure real victories for the Ijaw people.
The former Rivers State Governor pointed out that despite the long history of the Ijaw people in Rivers politics, no Ijaw man had become Governor of the state until now. “If they were that strong, if they were that powerful, why hasn’t an Ijaw man become Governor of Rivers State after all these years?”