Angry Ijaw women have vandalized billboards bearing the image of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in Kalabari, Rivers State, in protest against his visit to the area.
The protest took place in the early hours of Saturday 15th March as hundreds of women, dressed in black with white scarves, barricaded the road leading to Abalama, where Wike was being hosted at a grand reception by Ijaw stakeholders under the NEW Associates platform.
Carrying placards with messages such as “Kalabari take your stand now!” and “Wike, what do you want in Kalabari land?” the women accused Wike of interference in Kalabari affairs. They also opposed the scheduled Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Eastern Zone meeting at the same venue.
Security personnel eventually dispersed the protesters, clearing the way for Wike to attend the event. However, tensions remain high as Wike continues his political standoff with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, an Ijaw native.
