In protest of the Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike’s visit to the region, angry Ijaw women from Kalabari trashed billboards featuring his picture on Saturday.
Ijaw stakeholders, using the platform of NEW Associates, prepared for a lavish gathering in Wike’s honor by erecting the enormous billboards at the intersection going to Abalama.
Local women and Kalabari traditional leaders, however, fiercely opposed the gathering since they had previously objected to an Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Eastern Zone conference that was planned for the same location.
To prevent Wike from entering the town, hundreds of women wearing black clothing and white scarves swarmed the roads leading to Abalama early on Saturday morning.
While shouting protest slogans, the women blocked the highways and destroyed billboards featuring Wike’s pictures. They hoisted signs that said, “Kalabari, take your stand now!” What do you desire in Kalabari land, Wike?
Wike’s convoy was able to enter the town after the security personnel who were with the FCT Minister were compelled to disperse the demonstrators and remove the barriers.
Protests aside, the big reception went according to schedule. According to Enemi Alabo George, the chairman of the event’s publicity committee, Wike is a “friend of the Kalabari kingdom,” and the chiefs, leaders, women, and young people in the area are thrilled about his presence.
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George explained that the purpose of the occasion was to honor the former governor for his achievements to the Kalabari Kingdom by holding a magnificent civic banquet and a Thanksgiving service.
The visit to Kalabari by Wike coincides with increased political tensions between the Ijaw-descent governor, Siminalayi Fubara. There are now worries about the stability of the political environment in Rivers State due to the two leaders’ prolonged disagreement.
