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RIVERS, Nigeria - The youth branch of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the leading socio-political organization in the South-South region, has cautioned that the actions of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, may jeopardize President Bola Tinubu’s political backing in the Niger Delta as the 2027 general elections approach.
At a press briefing, PANDEF’s National Youth Leader, Donben Donyegha, expressed his disillusionment with Wike’s recent comments, which he deemed disrespectful to the leaders of the Niger Delta and harmful to political harmony in the area.
“Wike has disrespected those who once supported him. His role in this administration is a burden, and his behavior poses a threat to President Tinubu’s political future in 2027. Winning the South-South is going to be challenging for the president due to the harm Wike has already caused,” Donyegha stated.
He criticized Wike for his purported derogatory remarks towards the Ijaw community and PANDEF leaders, giving the minister a 48-hour deadline to retract his statements and issue an apology.
“If he does not apologize within 48 hours, we will take appropriate actions. The Niger Delta and the broader South-South region stand firmly against his reckless behavior,” Donyegha warned.
Donyegha further criticized Wike for allegedly showing disrespect towards the late elder statesman and former Federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Clark, even posthumously.
“It is disheartening that Wike would demonstrate such utter contempt for our late leader, Chief Edwin Clark, even before his burial,” he remarked.
This backlash comes in response to Wike’s recent media engagement, during which he reportedly referred to PANDEF as “the worst organization anyone can depend on” and termed its Board of Trustees as “political merchants.”
PANDEF’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Comrade Mathew Dighi, reaffirmed the organization's position, stressing the necessity of upholding respect and accountability in leadership.
“As youths from the Niger Delta, we refuse to tolerate any form of disrespect towards our leaders. Leadership should foster unity rather than create division,” Dighi emphasized.
Additionally, PANDEF’s Students Youth Coordinator, Prince Victor, called for a reconsideration of Wike’s political actions, especially his recent statements regarding the crisis in Rivers State. The youth leaders accused Wike of a pattern of derogatory remarks toward traditional leaders and political figures in the Niger Delta.
They referenced his tenure as Rivers State governor, during which he allegedly insulted traditional leaders, telling one that he resembled Uthman Dan Fodio.
The group also condemned Wike’s response to a recent visit by prominent Niger Delta leaders to President Tinubu. In the meantime, Wike addressed rumors of ethnic discord in Rivers State, asserting that the show of unity by the Kalabari people reflects collective harmony and purpose.
He made this comment on Saturday during a grand civic reception held in his honor by Kalabari stakeholders in Abalama Town, Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The event, organized by Ijaw stakeholders under the New Associates banner, featured cultural presentations, traditional dances, and tributes to Wike's contributions to the region.
Wike criticized Governor Fubara’s choice to associate with individuals who previously opposed his election, claiming they were misleading him.
He also condemned the withholding of allowances for State Assembly members, labeling it an unjust action. “All these situations you are witnessing, I advised the Governor, ‘God has granted you something, enjoy it without conflict.’ It is unwise to grapple with this crisis. But they informed him, ‘You are Governor, you have money.’ Money is not everything. All of these individuals have nothing to contribute. Look at our current situation. How far have we come?” Wike expressed.
In response to calls for peace, Wike asserted that he would not interfere with the Rivers State House of Assembly’s work, maintaining that lawmakers should be free to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities without intimidation.
“I will not hinder State Assembly members from executing their constitutional roles. The Assembly must be permitted to perform its duties. Those who value peace do not resort to threats. The more you intimidate, the more you exacerbate the situation,” he stated.
He also criticized Fubara’s handling of the ongoing political turmoil, noting that despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention, the Governor’s supporters continued to disrupt peace initiatives through legal actions. “When the President intervened, they went to court, challenging President’s legitimacy. Now, they are returning to the same President. You must be consistent in your actions,” Wike acknowledged.
Reiterating his allegiance to the Ijaw community, Wike emphasized the need for political stability and fairness in governance.
He cautioned against excluding those who have contributed to the state’s political landscape and urged the populace to remain law-abiding in the face of attempts to incite ethnic discord.
“Our efforts, our sacrifices, cannot be disregarded. All of you endured hardships, and someone cannot simply come along, having received power overnight, and state, ‘Leave.’ Anyone who remembers you in difficult times will recall you in better days,” he remarked.
The Minister was joined by notable political allies, including Senator Philip Aduda, the former Minority Whip in the 9th Assembly; the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche; and Senator Mao Ohuabunwa.
