**Wike Reception: An Aberration According to IYC**
At a recent reception in honour of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, hosted by members of the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress, RIVCO, a controversy erupted, questioning the legitimacy of the event within the Ijaw community. Some Ijaw elders expressed their disagreement with the initiative, saying that only the National Ijaw Congress, INC, truly represents the voice of the Ijaw people.
Boma Iyaye, Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), apologized to Wike at the reception, calling for the conduct of one individual to be ignored and for the Ijaw community to continue to collaborate. However, according to Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe of the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum, INC remains the authentic entity representing the interests of the Ijaw community.
Similarly, Ann-Kio Briggs of the Ijaw Republican Assembly stressed that it is inappropriate for any political organisation to claim to speak for the entire Ijaw people. She claimed that the organisers of the reception were political associates of Wike, not legitimate representatives of the Ijaw community as a whole.
Furthermore, Tari Theophilus, the factional chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council, criticised the event, noting the absence of significant political and traditional figures from the Ijaw community at the reception. According to him, such a celebration should have been coordinated in partnership with the INC and the IYC, the two main organisations representing the interests of the Ijaw.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the reception for Wike highlights the differences of opinion within the Ijaw community. It is clear that any organisation or individual claiming to speak for the entire Ijaw people must be diligent and respectful of the structures and processes established by legitimate entities. Unity and cohesion within the Ijaw community remain paramount in advancing common interests and strengthening the cultural identity of this proud and resilient people.