News/Wike Talks Carelessly, Speaks Under Alcohol Influence” – Ijaw Leader Blasts FCT Minister

The President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba, has launched a scathing attack on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accusing him of reckless speech and making statements under the influence of alcohol.

Okaba dismissed Wike’s recent comments about the Ijaw ethnic group, labeling them as misleading and politically motivated.

“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 declared.

The INC leader condemned Wike’s claim that the Ijaws are a minority, asserting that the ethnic group is one of Nigeria’s four largest and is deeply rooted in six states, including Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Edo, Ondo, and Abia.

“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,” he insisted.

Okaba further alleged that census figures had been historically manipulated to downplay the Ijaw population, vowing that the truth would eventually emerge.

“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,” he added.

The outspoken academic also accused Wike of using falsehoods to advance his political agenda and warned President Bola Tinubu against allowing individuals like Wike to destabilize Nigeria’s democracy.

Political analysts believe the fiery exchange signals deepening tensions between Wike and key Ijaw political figures, particularly amid the ongoing power struggle in Rivers State. With Wike’s influence and political maneuvers under scrutiny, observers say this rift could have significant implications for the Niger Delta’s political landscape.