A group of Ijaw youths on Tuesday staged a protest along the East-West Road, expressing their dissatisfaction with the recent remarks made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The protesters, comprising members of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and other solidarity groups, condemned Wike’s statement labeling the Ijaw people as a minority in the Niger Delta.
Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the demonstrators called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and caution Wike against making what they described as derogatory and divisive comments.
They insisted that the Ijaw people have played a significant role in the political and economic development of the Niger Delta and should not be undermined.
Furthermore, the protesters issued a stern warning against any attempts to impeach Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
They accused members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, of plotting to remove Fubara from office, an action they vowed to resist.
The protest caused a major disruption on the East-West Road, a critical highway linking several states in the South-South region. Commuters and motorists were stranded for hours as the demonstrators blocked the road, demanding an audience with relevant authorities.
As tensions continue to rise in Rivers State over the political crisis involving Governor Fubara and his allies, the Ijaw Youth Council has reiterated its commitment to protecting the interests of the Ijaw people and ensuring that their voices are heard in national and regional politics.