In a dramatic turn of events, hundreds of Kalabari women in Rivers State took to the streets on Saturday, staging a massive demonstration to prevent the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, from attending a civic reception in his honor. The protest, which unfolded in Abalama, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, underscored the growing discontent among the Ijaw ethnic group over recent comments attributed to the minister.
Dressed in black garments with white lace wrapped around their heads, the women gathered as early as 7 a.m., blocking key access roads leading into the community. Their objective was clear—to ensure Wike did not set foot in Kalabari land. The planned reception, organized by the NEW Associates, had been slated for March 15, but opposition to the event intensified following controversial remarks made by the minister.
Tensions escalated further when His Royal Highness, King Big Tom-Tom, the traditional ruler of Abalama Kingdom, publicly urged the event organizers to cancel the gathering. The monarch emphasized that the community was unwilling to host any political event at this time, adding that such gatherings could disrupt local harmony. However, despite the king’s directive, preparations for the event continued, prompting an even stronger backlash from the community.
The women, cutting across different age groups, stood firm in their resistance, chanting slogans and carrying placards denouncing Wike’s perceived disregard for the Kalabari people. Their protest was fueled by the minister’s recent assertion that the Ijaw ethnic group—which includes the Kalabari—was a minority in Rivers State. This statement has since sparked a wave of outrage, with many Ijaw leaders condemning it as both dismissive and misleading.
Adding to the growing dissent, HRM Dr. Godday Smith, the Agadagba III and Bounanawei, issued a stern warning to Wike, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene. In a statement released on Friday, Smith described Wike’s comments as an unwarranted attack on the Ijaw Nation, cautioning that continued provocation could have serious repercussions.
“His assertion that the Ijaw people are a minority in the Niger Delta is not only inaccurate but also inflammatory. Wike must tread carefully when discussing the Ijaw Nation. He should focus on resolving his political disputes with Governor Fubara rather than inciting ethnic tensions,” Smith stated. He further warned that any attempt to belittle the Ijaw people would not be taken lightly, stressing that peace in the region should not be jeopardized.
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The Kalabari women, echoing similar sentiments, made it unequivocally clear that Wike’s presence in their community was unwelcome. Their protest, marked by unwavering determination, reflects the deep-seated frustration over what they perceive as a deliberate attempt to undermine the Ijaw people’s significance in the state’s political landscape.
As the standoff continues, all eyes remain on the organizers of the reception and the response from Wike himself. Whether the event proceeds as planned or is called off in light of mounting resistance, one thing is certain—this episode has reignited a critical debate about ethnic identity and political representation in Rivers State.
