Wike Refutes Claims of Ijaw Rift, Takes Pride in Making Fubara Governor

Former Rivers State governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, addressed recent controversies surrounding his relationship with the Ijaw community.

Speaking at an event organized in his honor by the Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress in Port Harcourt, Wike emphasized his pride in contributing to the political rise of Siminalayi Fubara, an Ijaw man, as the governor of Rivers State.

Wike dismissed claims circulating on social media suggesting tension between him and the Ijaw people, labeling them as baseless. “If anybody tells you that the Ijaw people are fighting me, it is not correct,” he stated. He described such rumors as the work of ungrateful individuals who seek to undermine his achievements, but do not represent the larger Ijaw community.

During the event, Wike took the opportunity to highlight his efforts in elevating Ijaw leadership within the state, questioning why critics failed to achieve similar results. “God used us to make an Ijaw man governor. We had sleepless nights to make this happen. So, who really loves the Ijaw people more?”

Wike further stressed that while his political camp has chosen the path of lawfulness and peace, it should not be mistaken for weakness. He remarked that no one holds the monopoly on causing violence, but he remains committed to keeping Rivers a stable and investor-friendly state.

By positioning Fubara in leadership, Wike framed his legacy as one that defied traditional barriers and paved the way for greater Ijaw representation. He encouraged his critics to focus on constructive political engagement rather than fostering division.

This event was a strong rebuttal of ongoing allegations against Wike, underlining his continued influence and relationship with the Ijaw people in Rivers State.