High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, Niger Delta elder statesman and former spokesperson of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has recounted how former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike managed to calm tensions after making controversial remarks against the Ijaw Nation. He said the incident, though provocative, did not spiral into unrest because Wike personally intervened to pacify the people.
Speaking during an interview on SYMFONI TV, Sara-Igbe explained that Wike’s comments initially angered the Ijaw, one of the most prominent ethnic groups in the Niger Delta. According to him, the remarks provoked widespread outrage across communities, with many feeling insulted and ready to stage demonstrations in response.
He noted, however, that Wike acted swiftly to defuse the situation. Rather than allow the anger to escalate into open protest, the former governor reportedly reached out to stakeholders and appealed for calm. Sara-Igbe said Wike’s intervention helped to prevent the situation from degenerating into a full-blown crisis that could have destabilized the state.
The elder statesman emphasized that while the initial remarks wounded the pride of the Ijaw people, Wike’s conciliatory approach restored calm. He added that the willingness of community leaders and citizens to listen and comply with Wike’s appeal showed the importance of dialogue in resolving sensitive issues.
“When Wike insulted the entire Ijaw Nation, everybody was provoked. But at the end of the day, Wike pacified everybody and asked nobody to demonstrate,” Sara-Igbe said.