Tension in Rivers as Protesters Vandalise Wike’s Billboards

Angry Ijaw women from Kalabari on Saturday vandalised large billboards featuring the image of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in Port Harcourt. The incident occurred at the junction leading to Abalama, where Wike was being hosted by Ijaw stakeholders under the platform of NEW Associates for a grand reception.

The reception sparked outrage among some traditional rulers and Kalabari locals, who also opposed a planned Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Eastern Zone meeting at the same venue. Early Saturday morning, hundreds of women dressed in black attire with white scarves blocked the road to Abalama, attempting to prevent the Minister from accessing the community.

The women, carrying placards with messages such as “Kalabari take your stand now!” and “Wike, what do you want in Kalabari land?”, also tore down and destroyed billboards erected in Wike’s honour. The protest was eventually dispersed by security personnel who accompanied the Minister to the venue.

Despite the protest, the event went ahead as planned. Dr. Enemi Alabo George, Chairman of the Publicity Committee for the grand reception, told reporters that the Kalabari people — including chiefs, leaders, women and youths — were delighted to receive Wike, describing him as a friend of the kingdom. He noted that the event in Abalama was organised as a thanksgiving service and civic reception to honour the former governor for his continued support for Kalabari land.

The development comes amid ongoing political tensions between Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who is also of Ijaw origin.