Former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has disregarded opposition efforts to prevent his attendance at a thanksgiving service organized in his honor.
Wike made a bold entrance at the thanksgiving service held in Abalama, Rivers State, where he was welcomed with a grand reception by Ijaw stakeholders under the NEW Associates platform.
A viral video captured Wike arriving at the event, accompanied by heavy security and cheers from his supporters.
Prior reports from Citizen Rapporteur indicated that protesters, primarily women, had formed barricades on major roads to hinder Wike’s access to the community. Videos circulated online showed the protesters halting official vehicles and voicing their dissatisfaction over Wike’s perceived interference in state politics.
The visibly agitated women also vandalized billboards featuring Wike’s image, wielding placards with messages like “Kalabari, take your stand now!” and “Wike, what do you want in Kalabari land?”
The protests were ultimately quelled by the armed security personnel accompanying Wike to Abalama, the venue of the reception.
The Ijaw stakeholders hosted the Minister with a grand reception, celebrating his visit. Dr. Enemi Alabo George, Chairman of the Publicity Committee for the event, expressed that chiefs, leaders, women, and youth were thrilled to welcome Wike, whom he described as a friend of the kingdom.
George noted that the event was designed as both a thanksgiving service and a civic reception to honor the former governor for his dedication to the Kalabari Kingdom.
Wike is currently engaged in a contentious rivalry with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, an Ijaw native.
