₦airaland Forum

Protest Erupts Over Wike's Controversial Statement on Ijaw Pride and Late Pa. E.K. Clark

Bayelsa, Nigeria — Tensions soared in Bayelsa State following the latest remarks made by Former Rivers State Governor and the FCT Minister- Nyesom Wike, which sparked a major protest led by the Ijaw National Frontiers. The protest was in response to Wike's controversial statement that described the Ijaw ethnic Nationality as Minority in the South. Wike's comments were perceived by many in the Ijaw States in the Niger Delta as an attack on the pride of the Ijaw people.

In a speech made earlier this week by Barr. Wike was perceived in a derogatory manner to the Late Ijaw Stateman Pa. E.K. Clark, a prominent Ijaw leader, a remark that many found disrespectful and divisive. Pa. E.K. Clark, who passed away in 2025, had long been a revered elder statesman, known for his tireless advocacy for the Ijaw people, their rights, and their cultural heritage.
Barr. Nyesom Wike should allow Gov. Sim Fubara to govern River state in peace, creating division and undermining the incumbent governor will would rather bridge the peaceful coexistence with the Ikwerre people and the Ijaw people will not take that from the FCT Minister- Nyesom Wike.

The Ijaw Nation condemned Wike's statement, calling it "an insult to the Ijaw people" and "an affront to the dignity of our ancestors." The protest which saw thousands of people gather in the heart of Bayelsa's capital, Onopa-Yenagoa to demand an apology from the FCT Minister- Wike and a public retraction of his comments.

In a speech, Presented by Mrs. Peremor Opiah (Spokesperson, Ijaw National Frontiers) emphasized that Pa. E.K. Clark’s contributions to the Ijaw nation could not be belittled by any individual, regardless of their position or status. She said, “Pa Clark’s legacy is etched in the history of our people. His work transcended generations and will continue to inspire. Any statement that seeks to diminish that legacy is a direct attack on the pride of every Ijaw man and woman.”
By the termination of the protest, the group submitted a letter to the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria - His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the commissioner of Police, Bayelsa state.

The protest, while peaceful, has created ripples within political circles, with many wondering whether this controversy could escalate into a larger ethnic or political conflict within the Niger Delta region.

Hmm 🤔

The as usual jobless youths

Ijaws are the FULANIs of Niger Delta, as an Isoko man, I have experienced their love for violence firsthand

Wike doesn't know that Rivers people are already mad at him for rewriting their votes. Now, he wants to bring rancour between the two major tribes of the state.

West West people don hail Wike into wahala everywhere.

Their next move na to abandon Wike soon.

Wike will definitely learn the hard way for real

Wike has lost it. I can't imagine how he sleeps, Nlfpmod, multiplying enemies on daily basis.

helinues:
The as usual jobless youths

lol. You’re the most jobless human on earth.

Truths9ja:
Protest Erupts Over Wike's Controversial Statement on Ijaw Pride and Late Pa. E.K. Clark.

Shey make we fry EGGS?

How many PROTESTS dey 9ja at Moment?
Anti & Pro units

Natasha Vs akpabio
Wike VS Fubura
Etc

helinues:
The as usual jobless youths

But you supported Akpabio protest, what kind of little Devil are you bent on causing havoc in Nigeria with your useless colleagues online?

It is really a pity the kind of humanity Nyesom Wike has become. The man is a sorry thing.

helinues:
The as usual jobless youths

The irony

Look who's talking

Wike will not apologize and nothing will still happen.

Lol paid protest is very easy to identify.

How much Fubara pay them? 2k each?

Fubara must Obey Wike

Almighty God, Please let my helpers be among people reading this comment. I'm so dry and I need to be rescued, any amount will be appreciated I'm taking basic 3 and salary have not been paid. Currently, I'm working on getting other job.
Your support will help me get through this difficult period.Thank you and God bless

Pride comes before a fall. Wike may not recover from what is awaiting him...I see doom hitting him soon

helinues:
The as usual jobless youths

Tell us right now what your own job is apart from flag bearing for ACP on Nairaland 24/7 for monthly stipend.

SadiqBabaSani:
Ijaws are the FULANIs of Niger Delta, as an Isoko man, I have experienced their love for violence firsthand

They aren't really violent. Some of them just lack proper home training.

Mind you, No tribe in Delta state gives more violence when provoked more than the Isoko tribe.

Tinubu should forget votes from rivers 2027

If Una catch Wike anywhere. Make Una beat am like thief.

If Una catch Wike anywhere. Make Una beat am like thief.

He has created enough enemies to outlive him and his 10th generation.

He has no real friends, only vultures and praise-singing goons, who are out to massage his fallen ego for stipends and crumbs.

No be same Wike singlehandedly made an Ijaw man a governor?

Two people have issues, somehow it's convenient to make it about ethnicity.

helinues:
The as usual jobless youths

I thought people knew you as the jobless one.
Abi they're just spoiling your name ni?

I hope wike will not set river on fire with his sellfish interest

One man just causing trouble everywhere. Turn himself against his people for personal interest. Very self centered man

He should not worry, these people from a particlular tribe applauding him will soon abandone him once his contract with tinubu ends

Wahalla

hellinus ur useless-ness no get comparison. Indeed u are a curse to ur family.

SadiqBabaSani:
Ijaws are the FULANIs of Niger Delta, as an Isoko man, I have experienced their love for violence firsthand

With this your name, it shows you a lier. Well, you will know COW if you see one