Tensions flared in Kalabari, Rivers State, as angry Ijaw women took to the streets on Saturday to protest against the visit of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The demonstrators vandalized billboards bearing Wike’s image, expressing their opposition to his presence in the area.
The billboards, strategically placed at the junction leading to Abalama, were part of preparations for a grand reception organized in Wike’s honor by Ijaw stakeholders under the platform of NEW Associates. However, the event faced strong resistance from Kalabari traditional rulers and local women, who had also opposed an earlier Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Eastern Zone meeting scheduled at the same venue.
Protesters Barricade Roads, Tear Down Billboards
In the early hours of Saturday, hundreds of women, dressed in black with white scarves, stormed the roads leading to Abalama, vowing to prevent Wike from entering the community.
Chanting slogans and carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Kalabari, take your stand now!” and “Wike, what do you want in Kalabari land?”, the protesters barricaded roads and destroyed banners welcoming the former Rivers State governor.
Security personnel accompanying Wike had to intervene, clearing the barricades to allow his convoy into the town.
Reception Holds Despite Protests
Despite the resistance, the grand reception proceeded as planned, with Wike receiving praise from some Kalabari leaders.
Enemi Alabo George, Chairman of the event’s Publicity Committee, described Wike as a “friend of the Kalabari Kingdom”, insisting that the former governor had made significant contributions to the region.
“This event was arranged as a thanksgiving service and a grand civic reception in honor of the former governor for his contributions to the Kalabari Kingdom,” George stated.
Political Tensions in Rivers State
Wike’s visit comes at a time of political friction between him and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, an Ijaw politician. Their ongoing rift has fueled concerns over Rivers State’s political stability, with many closely watching how the situation unfolds.
While Wike’s supporters see his visit as a celebration of his legacy, the fierce opposition from Kalabari women underscores the deep political and ethnic divisions shaping the state’s power dynamics.
