By: Daure David
Tensions flared today in Kalabara as hundreds of women took to the streets, blocking a key roadway and protesting the actions of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The women, from the Kalabara community, expressed their frustration over what they allege is Wike’s undue interference in local governance, particularly in the affairs of the Fubara-led administration of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The protest, which began early in the morning, quickly gained traction as more women joined in. They held placards bearing slogans such as “Wike, Hands Off Ijaw and River’s State!” and “President Tinubu, Act Now!” The demonstrators called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action and remove Wike from his position as FCT Minister, accusing him of overstepping his mandate and undermining local authority.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Godswill Udeh, a community leader, stated, “We can no longer tolerate the interference of Wike in our local affairs. His actions are not in the best interest of our people, and we demand that President Tinubu remove him from his position immediately. We want our local government to be free from outside influence.”
The protestors further claimed that Wike’s has caused disruptions in local governance and development programs meant to benefit the community. They voiced concerns that the current state of affairs under Wike’s attack on Fubara leadership is detrimental to the well-being and progress of the entire River’s people.
As of now, security forces have been deployed to ensure the safety of both the protesters and the general public, but the road remains blocked as the demonstration continues. Tensions are expected to remain high, as the protestors have vowed to continue their march until their demands are met.
This development comes at a time of increasing political volatility, with various groups calling for greater autonomy in State and local governance and asserting their rights against what they perceive as federal overreach used by Wike to hoodwink the people. It remains to be seen how President Tinubu and the Federal Government will respond to the growing unrest in the Kalabara and some region in the South.
The situation is still developing, and authorities are urging for peaceful dialogue to resolve the dispute.
