NIGERIA’S AGITATION FOR EQUITY MUST TRANSCEND ETHNIC POLITICS, SAYS WIKE
By: Wisdom Acka
Federal Capital Territory Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has called on political leaders and citizens across the country to move beyond identity-based agitations and focus on responsible governance, institutional integrity, and tangible service delivery.
Wike made the call on Thursday, 15 October, 2026, while delivering a keynote address at the First Idoma Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held in collaboration with Ochetoha K’Idoma as part of the ongoing Idoma Centenary Plus celebrations.
Speaking on the theme “People, Politics and Power Play in Nigeria: The Agitation for Equity and Fairness,” the Minister asserted that political power must be treated as a public trust rather than an instrument for sectional domination or personal accumulation.
He noted that while diversity and federal character remain vital for a multi-ethnic federation, institutional arrangements alone cannot guarantee fairness without a genuine commitment to the common good.
Wike emphasized that the national conversation on equity must transcend the traditional arithmetic of zoning and political rotation, urging a transition from the politics of “whose turn, is it?” to the politics of “what is right.”
According to him, representation must serve as a pathway to public value rather than a mere redistribution of privilege among elites.
He cautioned that political inclusion cannot be sustained indefinitely without economic inclusion, pointing out that ordinary citizens remain preoccupied with basic socio-economic needs such as employment, healthcare, quality education, and reliable infrastructure.
The Minister further stressed that diversity should enlarge the nation’s pool of talent rather than compromise competence, maintaining that public office holders must be judged by the positive impact of their stewardship on the lives of the people.
Commending the organizers of the Idoma Centenary Plus celebrations for instituting the Hall of Fame, Wike described the initiative as a vital mechanism for preserving history, documenting heritage, and establishing positive standards of achievement for future generations.
He noted that the history of Nigeria is an accumulated tapestry of contributions from diverse peoples, and urged communities to view their heritage not through the lens of grievance, but through a shared commitment to building a just, inclusive, and prosperous republic where the rule of law and merit prevail.
Earlier, founder and Chief Executive of the Idoma Hall if Fame, Engr. Agaba Ikwue, stated that the initiative is designed for recognizing and honouring outstanding individuals who have left an indelible mark on the cultural, social, and intellectual landscape of the Idoma people.
Ikwue disclosed that the initiative would also ensure creation of a dynamic museum, provision of educational resources for tourism and research purposes and facilitation of cultural exchange, fostering a legacy of celebration, knowledge and consciousness.
According to him, the organization will specifically pursue objectives such as the preservation of Idoma heritage, community engagement, provide inspiration for the future, promote the speaking of the Idoma language, and promote gender equality.
