According to report, HRM Dr. Godday Smith, the Agadagba III and Bounanawei, has issued a strong warning to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over alleged disrespect towards the Ijaw Nation. In a statement released on Friday, Smith called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately call Wike to order, stating that his comments and actions could provoke tensions in the Niger Delta. The traditional ruler emphasized that the Ijaw people will not tolerate any form of insult or provocation, urging Wike to be cautious in his public statements.
Smith, who described himself as the mouthpiece of the gods, warned Wike that he would not be able to withstand the wrath of both the gods and the Ijaw Nation if he continued on his current path. "As the mouthpiece of the gods, Wike should be mindful of his comments because he cannot withstand the wrath of the gods and Ijaw Nation, therefore, I am cautioning him, and he must apologize to the Ijaw Nation," Smith stated. The traditional ruler insisted that Wike must retract his statements and offer a public apology to avoid further complications.
The Agadagba III further cautioned that any attempt to undermine the Ijaw people and their cultural heritage would not go unchallenged. He noted that the Ijaw Nation has a long history of standing up against injustice and would not allow any individual, regardless of their political position, to disrespect them. Smith stressed that leaders should focus on fostering peace and unity rather than making statements that could incite conflict or deepen divisions within the country.
The traditional leader also expressed concern that Wike's comments could create unnecessary unrest in the Niger Delta, a region that has contributed significantly to Nigeria's economy. He urged President Tinubu to ensure that his administration does not condone any actions that could alienate or offend the people of the region. Smith argued that the federal government must be proactive in preventing any crisis by addressing grievances and ensuring that public officials conduct themselves with dignity and respect.
In addition to the broader concerns about the Ijaw Nation, Smith particularly condemned Wike's alleged disrespect towards the late Chief Edwin Clark, a revered Ijaw leader. He emphasized that, in Ijaw culture, elders and leaders are held in the highest regard, and any form of disrespect toward them is not just an offense against the people but also against their spiritual beliefs. Given that Clark is yet to be buried, Smith stated that Wike's remarks were highly insensitive and inappropriate, further justifying the call for an apology.
In conclusion, HRM Dr. Godday Smith reaffirmed the Ijaw Nation's commitment to peace and national unity but made it clear that they would not tolerate any form of insult or disrespect. He called on President Tinubu to take swift action in addressing the matter to prevent any potential escalation. Smith urged all public officials to exercise caution in their words and actions, particularly when dealing with sensitive cultural and ethnic issues. He emphasized that Nigeria's unity depends on mutual respect and dialogue among all ethnic groups, and leaders should lead by example in upholding these values.
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