Mariam Sanni
A group of human right lawyers and activists has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene on the issue between the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike and the people of Ijaw, in River state.
A human right lawyer, Barrister Deji Adeyanju made this call while reacting to wike’s remarks about the Ijaw people in a press conference in Abuja.
Recently , It could be recalled that Wike allegedly described the Ijaw as “a minority of minorities” in Rivers and other South-South states, except Bayelsa.
He discussed the unpleasant remarks made by the Minister of FCT about the Ijaw nation, referring to them as a minority and associating them with criminal activities.
He explained that it is important that the president address the issue to prevent further escalation and potential violence given the widespread presence of Ijaw people globally.
Adeyanju argued that the Minister’s remarks constitute a violation of the Ijaw nation’s rights under the Nigerian constitution and international charters.
According to him, the need for the President to take responsibility for the Minister’s actions is stressed, as the Minister is seen as an employee of the President.
He said that the Ijaw nation is the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria, adding that they occupy significant local governments in various states.
He gave detailed breakdown of the Ijaw population in different states, including Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, and Ondo, is provided to refute the minority claim.
The activist emphasized the historical and cultural significance of the Ijaw nation, highlighting their contributions to the Nigerian economy and political landscape.
Adeyanju reiterated the need for the Minister to apologize and the President to take responsibility for his actions.
He noted that important of addressing the concerns of the Ijaw nation and other ethnic groups is to maintain national unity.
“It is very unpleasant remarks about the Ijaw nation, saying that Ijaw are minority, and, you know, saying that, in fact, he doubled down when he went for a Thanksgiving rivers, by saying that he just only gets involved in criminality, you know, and oil bunkering and some other stuffs. It is very shameful indeed to have had these remarks for him, to have referred to the Ijaw nation as a minority. Is truly, truly, truly sad, because one will begin to wonder, is it when did Wike become an intellectual to start talking about issues of history.
“When you begin to use a derogatory remark against them, it can lead something else. I can see the reason why mister president should be keeping quiet, because if anything happen to a section of this country, especially the Nigeria Delta, Nigeria will feel it. So we are, and I call him mister president to come in, because I expected that by now, and the FCT Minister of Governor of rivers state, Baris, would have issued a place statement and apologize, “ he stated.
Similarly, Comrade Marshal Abubakar discussed the legal implications of the Minister’s remarks, citing the anti-discrimination clause in Section 41 of the Nigerian constitution and international charters.
Abubakar who is also a lawyer called the Minister to apologize within three days, saying that failing to do so the Ijaw nation should petition the United Nations.
