A political group, Ijaws for Tinubu 2027, has demanded the immediate removal of Nyesom Wike as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over his recent comments regarding the Ijaw people.
In a statement issued on Friday in Port Harcourt, the group’s leader, Tamuno Esiri, urged the federal government to take swift action against Wike, describing his remarks as unacceptable.
“If President Tinubu is truly committed to securing a second term, which he rightfully deserves, then Wike must be removed from office,” Esiri stated.
It was recalled that in an interview addressing the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, Wike allegedly referred to the Ijaws as a minority ethnic group in the Niger Delta.
Esiri strongly condemned this assertion, emphasizing that the Ijaw people are among the dominant ethnic groups in the region.
He warned that allowing such statements to go unchallenged could jeopardize President Bola Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 elections.
“We believe Wike is intentionally undermining the president’s support base among the Ijaw people, who are a major force in the Niger Delta,” he said.
According to Esiri, Wike’s continued presence in the cabinet poses a threat to democracy and peace in the region.
He further called on President Tinubu to intervene in Wike’s alleged role in escalating the political crisis in Rivers State and his purported disrespect towards respected elders and political leaders.
He also urged the president not to rely on Wike for electoral success in Rivers State, insisting that the FCT Minister no longer holds the political influence he once had.
“The political goodwill Wike enjoyed in the 2023 elections has significantly diminished. Today, an overwhelming majority of Rivers people stand with Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Any political calculation that counts on Wike delivering Rivers in 2027 should be reconsidered,” Esiri added.
He also criticized the Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, accusing it of proposing bills that could further destabilize the state’s political landscape.
Issuing a 14-day ultimatum, Esiri called on the lawmakers to align with President Tinubu’s peace efforts by allowing Governor Fubara to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
“The legislators must immediately halt any self-serving and anti-Rivers bills or prepare to be recalled by their constituents.
“If they fail to uphold peace, we will mobilize alongside all well-meaning groups and Rivers citizens who support Governor Fubara and President Tinubu to initiate their recall process.
“The Ijaws for Tinubu 2027 demand the total liberation of Rivers State,” he concluded.
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