A protest erupted Saturday when Ijaw women of Kalabari heritage vandalized large billboards featuring Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the incident occurred at the junction leading to Abalama, where the billboards had been erected in preparation for a grand reception organized by Ijaw stakeholders under the NEW Associates platform.
The reception has become contentious, taking place amid objections from Kalabari traditional rulers and community members over a scheduled IYC Eastern zone meeting at the same venue.
Early Saturday morning, hundreds of women dressed in black attire with white scarves blockaded the road to Abalama, attempting to prevent Minister Wike from accessing the community.
During their demonstration, the protesters destroyed billboards bearing the Minister’s image and carried placards with messages including “Kalabari take your stand now!” and “Wike, what do you want in Kalabari land”
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Security personnel accompanying the FCT Minister later dispersed the protesters, allowing Wike to proceed to the reception venue in Abalama.
Despite the tensions, Dr. Enemi Alabo George, Chairman of the reception’s Publicity Committee, had previously stated that chiefs, leaders, women, and youths were enthusiastic about hosting Wike, whom he described as “a friend of the kingdom.”
According to George, the event was organized in Abalama Town as a thanksgiving service and civic reception honoring the former governor for his affection toward the Kalabari Kingdom.
The situation is further complicated by Wike’s ongoing political conflict with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who is of Ijaw descent.