Angry protesters destroy Wike’s thanksgiving billboards in Rivers

Angry Ijaw women from Kalabari extraction on Saturday, destroyed giant billboards bearing the pictures of Mr. Nyesom Wike, the current minister of the federal capital territory.

The billboards which were erected at the junction leading to Abalama was in honour of Wike who is being hosted to a grand reception by the Ijaw stakeholders under the platform of NEW Associates.

The incident followed alleged decision by the Amayanabo of Abalama, King Dr. A. B. Big Tom Tom JP, to decline the proposed Thanksgiving and Civic Reception planned in Wike’s honour.

In a letter dated March 12, 2025, addressed to the state police commissioner, the monarch expressed surprise at learning about the event through social media, despite being the paramount ruler of the community.

Stressing the growing political instability in Rivers State, the king reiterated the community’s resolution to ban political gatherings for security reasons.

He said, “I and my council of chiefs also resolved that no political activity should be held in Abalama because of the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State”.

The paramount ruler added that he had made a public radio announcement to reinforce this stance.

Despite these warnings, Wike arrived in the Ijaw town on Saturday under heavy security, with many residents staying away from the venue.

Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, has warned against interpreting Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s calm and diplomatic approach to governance as a sign of weakness.

His remarks come amid ongoing political face-off and criticism from opponents, particularly from Nyesom Wike.

Commending Governor Fubara for maintaining composure despite provocations, such as the recent locking of the state assembly complex that obstructed his budget presentation, Danagogo noted that previous governors might have reacted more aggressively.

He assured Rivers residents of the government’s commitment to their welfare and economic stability, stating that Fubara’s approach was driven by a desire to prevent policies that could negatively impact the people.

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