National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has issued a strong warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding the immediate removal of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike. They caution that failing to do so could negatively impact Tinubu’s chances of re-election in 2027.
During a massive protest on Tuesday, thousands of IYC members blocked the East-West Road for over ten hours, causing major disruptions to economic activities. They vowed to sustain their demonstrations until their demand is met.
Speaking in an interview, IYC President, Dr. Alaye Theophilus, who led the protest, said their action was triggered by what he described as derogatory remarks made by Wike against the Ijaw people.
“The youths have come out today to say enough is enough. The FCT Minister’s disrespectful comments about the Ijaw Nation are unacceptable. We are here to demand that President Tinubu call him to order,” Theophilus stated.
He warned that if no action is taken by Friday, March 21, the protests will continue.
> “We cannot allow one man to destabilize Rivers State and insult the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality as if he is an emperor. Wike’s statement that the Ijaw are a ‘minority within the minorities’ is an insult taken too far.”
The IYC also accused Wike of fueling the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, warning that Tinubu would be held responsible if the situation worsens.
“The East-West Road is a vital economic route linking the Niger Delta to Lagos and the Northeast. Continued protests will disrupt businesses and economic activities, but we have the constitutional right to express our grievances peacefully.”
Theophilus further advised President Tinubu to take decisive action if he values his re-election ambition.
The protest drew Ijaw youths from Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta States. While the protesters maintained that their demonstration was peaceful, they warned that if the situation escalates, future restraint could not be guaranteed.
The IYC called on the federal government to act swiftly to prevent further disruptions and safeguard the region’s economic stability.
(Vanguard)
