The President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba, has strongly criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his recent comments about the Ijaw people. Okaba accused Wike of being a reckless speaker who sometimes makes statements under the influence of alcohol.

The controversy started when Wike claimed that the Ijaws are a minority ethnic group in Nigeria. He made this statement during a press conference about his political dispute with his successor, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Many Ijaw leaders have reacted angrily to Wike’s remarks.

Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on April 2, 2025, Okaba dismissed Wike’s claims, emphasizing that the Ijaws are one of the four largest ethnic groups in Nigeria. He argued that census figures have been manipulated over time and do not accurately reflect the true population of the Ijaws.

“The Ijaws are not a minority. We are among the four largest ethnic groups in Nigeria,” Okaba said. “Wike makes statements under the influence of alcohol and later denies them. He distorts facts for his own political interest.”

Okaba further explained that the Ijaw people live across six states, including Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Edo, Ondo, and Abia. He highlighted that in Abia alone, there are 26 Ijaw communities, and in Rivers State, Ijaws are native to more than ten local government areas.

He accused Wike of twisting historical and demographic facts to suit his personal agenda. Okaba urged President Bola Tinubu to prevent any politician from destabilizing Nigeria’s democracy. He warned that Wike’s influence is tied solely to his government position and may not last beyond his tenure.

Observers believe this dispute could impact politics in Rivers State and the Niger Delta in the coming elections.