Former Rivers State governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has arrived in Abalama, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, for a Thanksgiving Service and Civic Reception in his honour.
His visit comes despite opposition from the community’s monarch and residents, who rejected the event due to political tension in the state.
Tensions escalated earlier in the day as protesters took to the streets, blocking roads and carrying placards to oppose Wike’s visit. Videos circulating on social media show residents, including women and youths, voicing their disapproval and demanding that the former governor stay away.
The protesters declared that they would not allow Wike into their community, citing his remark that the Kalabari people are a minority in the state.
The Amayanabo of Abalama, King Dr. A. B. Big Tom Tom JP, had officially distanced the community from the event. In a letter to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, dated March 12, 2025, he expressed shock at learning about the program through social media and cited security concerns as the reason for rejecting it.
