A group of angry Ijaw women from the Kalabari area vandalized billboards featuring the image of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike on Saturday.
The billboards, erected at the entrance to Abalama in preparation for a grand reception in Wike’s honor, were torn down by the women, who were dressed in black with white scarves. They also blocked the road, attempting to prevent Wike’s access to the community.
Carrying placards with messages like “Kalabari, take your stand now!” and “Wike, what do you want in Kalabari land?”, the protesters expressed their displeasure over his visit. Security personnel later dispersed them.
Meanwhile, the Ijaw stakeholders under the NEW Associates group proceeded with the reception, describing Wike as a friend of the Kalabari Kingdom. His visit comes amid ongoing tensions with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, an Ijaw native.
