On Saturday, angry Ijaw women from the Kalabari region vandalized large billboards featuring the image of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The billboards, erected at the Abalama junction, were part of preparations for a grand reception organized in Wike's honor by Ijaw stakeholders under the platform of NEW Associates. The planned reception coincided with protests from Kalabari traditional rulers and residents who opposed a scheduled Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Eastern Zone meeting at the same location.
In the early hours of Saturday, hundreds of women dressed in black attire with white scarves blocked the road leading to Abalama, intending to prevent Wike from entering the community.
The protesters, carrying placards with messages such as "Kalabari, take your stand now!" and "Wike, what do you want in Kalabari land?", also tore down the Minister's billboards in frustration.
Security personnel accompanying Wike eventually dispersed the protesters, clearing the way for the reception to proceed.
Dr. Enemi Alabo George, Chairman of the Publicity Committee for the event, stated that Kalabari chiefs, leaders, women, and youths were excited about Wike’s visit. He described the event as a thanksgiving service and a grand civic reception in recognition of Wike’s contributions to the Kalabari Kingdom.
Wike’s visit comes amid ongoing tensions with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, an Ijaw native.
