Youths from the Niger Delta region, under the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, warning that failure to do so could affect his 2027 re-election bid.
In a mass protest on Tuesday, thousands of IYC members blocked the East/West Road for over ten hours, disrupting economic activities and vowing to sustain their demonstrations if their demand is not met.
“The youths have come out today to say enough is enough. The FCT Minister’s uncomplimentary statements about the Ijaw Nation are unacceptable. We are here to demand that President Tinubu call him to order,” Theophilus stated.
He further warned that if no action is taken before Friday, March 21, the protests would resume.
“We cannot allow one man to cause problems in Rivers State and disrespect the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality as if he is an emperor. Wike’s claim that the Ijaw are a ‘minority within the minorities’ is an insult taken too far.”
The IYC leader blamed Wike for the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, warning that President Tinubu would bear responsibility if the situation escalates.
“The East/West Road is a major economic artery connecting the Niger Delta to Lagos and the Northeast. Continued protests will disrupt businesses and economic activities, but we have the constitutional right to peacefully express our grievances.”
“If the President values his 2027 re-election ambition, he should act now and remove Wike to restore peace in Rivers State,” Theophilus declared.
The demonstration included Ijaw youths from Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta States. The protesters emphasized that while their demonstration was peaceful, they could not guarantee future restraint if tensions continued to escalate.
The IYC urged the federal government to act swiftly to prevent further disruptions and protect the economic stability of the region.