Former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka has weighed in on a controversial statement made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who declared that he is not Igbo. In a detailed response, Chidoka underscored the broader definition of Igbo identity, describing it as more than an ethnic label or geographic affiliation.
Chidoka, who served as Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) before becoming Aviation Minister, emphasized the values and principles that define the Igbo way of life. He stated:
“Anyone who says he is not Igbo is not Igbo. Igbo is not only an ethnic identity; it is also a way of life.”
The former minister highlighted key characteristics associated with the Igbo identity, such as respect for truth even in the face of personal loss, loyalty to community and benefactors, discretion in words and actions, and a commitment to wealth derived from enterprise. He pointed out that Igbo culture rejects greed, disrespect, and autocratic behavior, which he described as antithetical to their values.
In his remarks, Chidoka added:
“If Nyesom Wike says he is not Igbo, I agree with him, and there is no need to argue because Igbo is beyond proclamation and geography; it is also a set of attributes and lived experiences. I am Igbo.”
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Nyesom Wike, who served two terms as the governor of Rivers State before his current role as the Minister of FCT, has often been at the center of political discourse for his outspoken and controversial statements. His recent claim about not being Igbo sparked debates, given Rivers State’s historical and cultural connections to the Igbo ethnic group.
Chidoka’s response appears to put the issue to rest by reinforcing the idea that Igbo identity transcends mere words or geographic boundaries. Instead, it embodies a lived philosophy rooted in integrity, community, and enterprise.
