From: Joy Musa
In a show of unity and solidarity, the leadership of the Ijaw ethnic nationality gathered in Bomadi, Delta State, on Tuesday for a one-day Ijaw National Sensitization Rally. The event, tagged "Stand Up for Ijaw Nation and Pa E.K. Clark," was held in honor of the late Pa Chief Edwin Clark, a revered elder statesman of the Ijaw community, and to protest the removal of democratically elected officials in Rivers State by Minister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
The rally, organized by the Congress for Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities (CONDEN) in collaboration with Ijaw groups from the Western Zone, attracted thousands of Ijaw indigenes, who expressed their concerns over recent developments in the region.
At the heart of the gathering was a call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his alleged derogatory remarks against the Ijaw people and the late Pa Edwin Clark. The protestors condemned what they described as a "disrespectful" treatment of the Ijaw community, urging the Nigerian government to take immediate action.
Speaking at the rally, several community leaders and activists raised concerns over the growing tension between the Ijaw people and Minister Wike, particularly over his comments regarding Pa E.K. Clark. Wike, who previously served as the governor of Rivers State, has been accused of making inflammatory statements that they claim undermine the contributions and legacy of the late Ijaw leader.
A symbolic gesture during the rally was the display of a mock coffin, which the participants said represented the perceived disrespect and political exclusion of the Ijaw people by certain political figures. The mock coffin was seen as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles for recognition and justice in the Niger Delta region.
"The removal of democratically elected officials in Rivers State is a clear violation of democratic principles and an affront to the Ijaw nation," one of the speakers declared. "We are gathered here today to demand justice, not only for Pa E.K. Clark, but for all Ijaw people who have been marginalized by the actions of Minister Wike."
As the rally continued, the protesters held placards with messages calling for unity, respect, and the preservation of Ijaw heritage. The sentiment of the event was one of strength and resolve, as the Ijaw people voiced their collective desire for their voices to be heard in national political affairs.
The rally concluded with a call to action, urging the Nigerian government to act swiftly in addressing the concerns raised by the Ijaw leadership. The participants expressed their hope that their demands for justice, respect, and the fair treatment of the Ijaw people would not go unheard.
The Ijaw Nation remains a key stakeholder in the socio-political landscape of the Niger Delta, and this rally serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and respect for all ethnic groups within Nigeria’s political framework. The demand for action against Minister Nyesom Wike, particularly in light of the late Pa Edwin Clark's legacy, is expected to remain a focal point in ongoing discussions surrounding Ijaw political rights and representation.
As of now, the federal government has yet to respond to the calls for Minister Wike’s suspension.
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