Amid political tensions in Rivers State, the Ijaw community of Abalama has cancelled Minister Nyesom Wike’s planned grand reception and thanksgiving. The move follows Wike’s controversial remarks against the Ijaw nation and growing threats from Niger Delta militants. Read full details.
In a dramatic turn of events, the Ijaw community of Abalama in Rivers State has officially cancelled the much-publicized grand reception and thanksgiving service planned in honor of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The event, which was slated to hold on Saturday, March 15, 2025, has been called off due to heightened political tensions and security concerns surrounding the minister’s recent controversial statements against the Ijaw nation.
The move comes in the wake of the ongoing political battle between Minister Wike and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Wike, who had an uninterrupted eight-year tenure as governor, is accused of attempting to destabilize Fubara’s administration. His recent comments labeling the Ijaw ethnic group as the “minorities of the minorities in the Niger Delta” sparked widespread outrage within the Ijaw nation, further fueling the rift between him and the governor’s supporters.
Sources within Abalama confirmed that the decision to cancel the event was influenced by fears of possible unrest and security threats. The community, in a strongly worded letter addressed to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, warned that the grand reception must not hold in their locality. According to the letter, Wike’s visit could provoke violent reactions given the deep-seated grievances his statements have generated.
The tensions in Rivers State have escalated further with Niger Delta militants, predominantly from Ijaw communities, issuing fresh threats against the federal government. They have vowed to sabotage critical oil infrastructure in the creeks if Rivers State’s allocation is withheld or if any attempt is made to impeach Governor Fubara. The militants, in a viral video, expressed their readiness to defend their interests, emphasizing that the region’s resources must not be used as a political weapon against an Ijaw governor.
The cancellation of the grand reception by Abalama is being interpreted as a direct reaction to Wike’s perceived disregard for the Ijaw people. Many leaders within the Niger Delta have condemned his remarks, asserting that his attempt to undermine the political influence of the Ijaw nation will not be tolerated.
Political analysts suggest that this latest development could significantly weaken Wike’s stronghold in Rivers politics, as more communities may begin to distance themselves from him in favor of Governor Fubara, who continues to enjoy overwhelming support from the Ijaw nation.
With the grand reception officially cancelled and security concerns mounting, all eyes are now on the federal government and security agencies to prevent any potential crisis. The fate of Rivers State’s allocation remains a major issue, as the threat from militants could disrupt oil production and further complicate national economic stability.
The political crisis in Rivers State is far from over, and as events continue to unfold, stakeholders are calling for caution and diplomacy in resolving the lingering crisis. SEE LETTER BELOW:
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