PORTHARCOURT: Ahead of the 2027 Presidential and general elections, the Niger Delta youth chapter of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has warned that the actions of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Nyesom Wike, could severely impact President Bola Tinubu’s political support in the Niger Delta.
Addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja, the National Youth President of PANDEF Youth Wing, Doben Donyegha, revealed that the Niger Delta youths have given Wike a 48-hour ultimatum to retract his disparaging comments about the Ijaw nation and leaders of the socio-political body.
They expressed their dismay that Wike insulted the late Chief Edwin Clark, a revered South-South leader, even after his death.
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The group stated, “If he fails to apologize within 48 hours, we will take necessary actions. The Niger Delta and the entire South-South region stand united against his recklessness,” Donyegha warned.
PANDEF Youth Wing also condemned Wike’s disrespect toward Chief Edwin Clark, stating, “It is painful to us that Wike would show such utter disrespect to our late leader, Chief Edwin Clark, even before he is buried.
The ultimatum for a public apology was issued by PANDEF’s National Youth Leader, Don Ben Donyegha; Assistant National Youth Leader, Comrade Mathew Digi; and National Coordinator of Youth Affairs, Hon. Prince Oleh Victor. They expressed frustration that Wike insulted the region’s leaders less than 24 hours after a delegation met with the President in Abuja.
Wike was accused of disrespecting the region’s elders, traditional rulers, and political figures, with the youth leaders recalling how Wike once knelt before Chief Clark to seek support for his gubernatorial ambition, only to later insult him. The group emphasized that Wike could never attain the stature and legacy of Clark.
The youth leaders declared that the Niger Delta youths would not stay silent while Wike insults their leaders and undermines the region. They challenged him to visit states like Edo, Delta, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers to gauge his remaining respect among the people.
Wike, during a media chat on Tuesday, had referred to PANDEF as “the worst organization anybody can rely on” and called its Board of Trustees members “political merchants.”
Donyegha also urged President Tinubu to immediately remove Wike from his cabinet, stating that the youth wing no longer had confidence in him. “Keeping Wike in the cabinet may harm the President’s re-election chances in 2027.
Wike has insulted those who once stood by him. His presence in this administration is a liability,” Donyegha argued.
The PANDEF Youth Wing also called for Wike’s investigation by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) for alleged ethical violations in office. Donyegha stressed, “We have no confidence in Wike, and we demand that President Tinubu withdraw him as a minister and ensure he is held accountable for breaching ethical standards.”
The youth leaders expressed their displeasure with Wike’s history of betrayal, citing his past association with former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, who reportedly played a significant role in his rise to power. Despite their support, Wike allegedly turned against them and insulted key figures from the Niger Delta.
The group also recalled Wike’s alleged history of disrespect during his tenure as governor of Rivers State, including publicly humiliating Ogoni leaders and insulting traditional rulers. They criticized his divisive politics, accusing him of fueling instability in the region.
PANDEF also took issue with Wike’s response to a recent visit by prominent Niger Delta leaders to President Tinubu, which aimed to promote peace in Rivers State. Instead of supporting peace efforts, Wike dismissed the delegation as individuals seeking financial gain, calling it insulting and unacceptable.
Wike was also accused of deliberately stirring political instability in Rivers State, including attempts to undermine Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The PANDEF Youth Wing emphasized that peace efforts in Rivers State should be supported, not sabotaged.
Donyegha warned President Tinubu that Wike’s divisive actions could cost him critical support in the Niger Delta in 2027. If Wike is not removed, the region will be a tough battleground for the President in 2027,” he said.
He further added that Wike’s political survival depended on the same people he is insulting. This is the same Wike who knelt before Chief Edwin Clark to seek support for his governorship ambition. Today, he insults the very people who helped him rise politically, Donyegha stated.
The group urged Wike to learn from other prominent Niger Delta leaders like Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom they praised for exemplifying maturity and respect for his people. “We demand that Wike follow the example of Senator Godswill Akpabio, who has demonstrated true leadership and respect for his people,” they concluded
