The youth wing of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, demanding a retraction of his recent comments against the Ijaw nation and PANDEF leaders. The group condemned Wike’s remarks, particularly his criticism of the late Chief Edwin Clark, calling it disrespectful.
During a media chat on Thursday, Wike had described PANDEF as “the worst organisation anybody can rely on” and labeled its board members as “political merchants.” In response, PANDEF Youth President Doben Donyegha criticized Wike’s statements, especially since they came shortly after South-South leaders met with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
The youth group has urged Tinubu to remove Wike from his cabinet, warning that his actions could affect the president’s support in the Niger Delta ahead of the 2027 elections. They also called for an investigation into Wike’s alleged land deals in the Federal Capital Territory.