The President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba, has strongly criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his recent comments regarding the Ijaw ethnic group. Okaba dismissed Wike’s claim that the Ijaws are a minority group, calling the minister a “careless speaker” known for making unguarded remarks.
The controversy erupted following Wike’s statement during a press briefing on the ongoing political crisis between him and his successor as Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara. His comments sparked outrage among Ijaw leaders, who view the remarks as an attempt to diminish their ethnic identity and influence.
Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, Okaba rejected Wike’s assertions, insisting that the Ijaws are among Nigeria’s four largest ethnic groups. “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.
Okaba went further to emphasize the demographic strength of the Ijaw people, arguing that their population has been historically underestimated due to manipulations of census figures. “These are basic demographics that are well known. Ijaws are not the fourth largest; they are one of the four largest,” he declared.
Contrary to Wike’s statement, Okaba stressed that the Ijaw people are not a minority but rather the most populous indigenous ethnic group in the Niger Delta. “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 asserted.
He pointed out that while Bayelsa State is the only Ijaw-majority state, the Ijaw people have a significant indigenous presence in at least six other states, including Abia, Delta, Edo, Ondo, and Rivers. He revealed that in Abia alone, there are 26 Ijaw communities, while in Rivers State, the Ijaw people are indigenous to over ten local government areas.
Okaba accused Wike of deliberately distorting historical and demographic facts to serve his political interests. He suggested that Wike’s current relevance in Nigerian politics is largely tied to his position as a government official. “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 warned.
