A group of angry Ijaw women from Kalabari stormed the streets on Saturday, tearing down billboards bearing the image of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in protest against his visit. Dressed in black with white scarves, the women barricaded roads leading to Abalama, chanting slogans and demanding Wike stay away from Kalabari land. Security operatives eventually cleared the roads, allowing Wike’s convoy to pass.
Despite the protests, the grand reception organized by Ijaw stakeholders under the NEW Associates platform went ahead. Enemi Alabo George, chairman of the event’s publicity committee, described Wike as a friend of the Kalabari Kingdom, stating that chiefs and leaders welcomed him.
Wike’s visit comes amid political tensions with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who is of Ijaw descent. The ongoing rift between the two politicians has deepened divisions within Rivers State, raising concerns about political stability in the region.