The Abalama Community in Rivers State, Southern Nigeria, has dissociated itself from a planned thanksgiving service and grand civic reception in honor of Minister Nyesom Wike, scheduled to hold on March 15, 2025.
In a letter to the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, HRH King Dr. A. B. Big Tom Tom JP, Amayanabo VII of Abalama Community, expressed his disappointment.
“I became aware of the upcoming event that will take place in my own community on Facebook on the 12th day of March, 2025, where I am the paramount head and custodian of the people of Abalama, which I think is a slap on my face,” he stated.
The monarch emphasized that he had received a letter from Dr. D. A. Kelly, FNIQS, dated January 17, 2025, informing him of a personal thanksgiving service, but was not aware of the updated plans.
King Tom noted, “Sometime in February 2025, I had a courtesy visit from the personal assistant and one other person who visited me in my palace and gave me a letter… and I acknowledged the letter, waiting for his response till date.”
The royal father urged the organizers to take the event elsewhere, citing the current political crisis and security tension in the state.
He stressed, “Abalama is a peaceful community, and the lives of my people are paramount… 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 monarch has called on the Commissioner of Police and all security agencies in Rivers State to take immediate action, ensuring that the event does not hold in Abalama.
Diaspora Digital Media had earlier reported that the Rivers State House of Assembly has adjourned indefinitely.
The sudden adjournment comes on the heels of a letter from Governor Similaye Fubara, informing the assembly of his intention to present the state budget on Wednesday.
The assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, a close ally of former Governor Nyesom Wike, took the decision to adjourn indefinitely, sparking speculation about the underlying reasons.
The adjournment has raised eyebrows, with many seeing it as a ploy to further frustrate the governor.