…Organisers are betrayals- Ijaw Women
By: Felix Ikpotor
Following the tension building up in the Kalabari axis of Rivers State over a planned reception in honour of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike by a group known as NEW Associates, in Abalama Community in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of the state on Saturday, 15th March, 2025, the traditional institution in the community have called on the organisers to stop the event citing security concerns and improper notification.
Recalled the Ijaw Youths Congress, IYC, Eastern Zone had also fixed a congress for that day and same venue, urging all youths of the region to turn out enmass for the event.
Amanyanabo of Abalama Community, HRH, Dr A.B Big Tom-Tom, in a petition addressed to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police and copied other security agencies, noted that he was only made aware of the event via social media, adding that no proper communication was made between him and the organisers.
He said the only notification he got was that of Dr Dax Alabo George -Kelly, an indigene of the community informing him of his private thanksgiving over his appointment by the Federal Government and not a political event.
The paramount ruler said following heightened political tension in the state, he tried reaching George-Kelly severally on the need to put on hold the private thanksgiving since no date was fixed and also putting into consideration the safety of his subjects, adding that a radio announcement was also made to that effect.
He alleged that he may have been deceived by the letter he received from George-Kelly but insisted that himself and his community are not part of the reception and as such, directed the organisers to take it elsewhere from his domain.
He said: “Abalama is a peaceful community and the lives of my people are very important to me therefore, I and my people disassociate ourselves from the said event because we are not aware of the recent update. I think I was deceived with the letter I received earlier from Dr. D. A Kelly, FNIQS not knowing it was a different event that is upcoming”.
” I and my people have resolved that the organizers of the event should take the event to anywhere of their choice.
“That Abalama is an autonomous Community with a King and nobody has the right to organize such an event without my knowledge and the consent of my council of chiefs.
“That I and my people has deem it fit to inform you and the public that we are not also part of it,” he added.
Similarly, the Forum of Traditional Rulers of Kalabari Ethnic Nationality have joined in calling on the organisers to shelve the planned reception to avoid break down of law and order in the region.
The chiefs in a letter addressed to the governor, Siminalayi Fubara and copied other security agencies raised the alarm on the need to avert a potential violent clash on Saturday, 15th March, 2025 in Kalabari land between two opposing groups that could lead to bloodshed.
The Kalabari monarchs in the letter signed by HRH, King Lawrence Odum (Odum Barboy IX), Amanyanabo of Bakana and Chairman, DELGA Area Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, HRH, Ene Dateme, Obonogina of Obonoma, For the Chairman of Akuku-Toru Area Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, HRH, King Emmanuel Stephen, Dadaye VI, Amanyanabo of Ifoko, Secretary, ASALGA Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH, King Kariboye Karibo, Okio (III), Teinya (I), Amanyanabo of Idama/Ekulema, Akuku-Toru LGA and others said that they are concerned that the clash of venues for the planned events by the two opposing groups, if not addressed, may cause a possible breach of peace and order in the area which could potentially threaten the existing peace in Abalama Community and the rest of Kalabari land.
They therefore, “appealed to both parties to relocate their events elsewhere, possibly outside Kalabari land, to avert a possible violent clash in the area”.
While insisting that Kalabari land cannot be the epicenter of such impending crisis, the monarchs added: “We call for an outright cancellation of all activities slated for Saturday, 15th March 2025, at the Abalama Community Secondary School Field, regardless of whether permission was previously sought and granted or not, to avoid any crisis in Kalabari land.
“Better still, we advise both parties to choose different days and venues should they wish to hold such activities on our land”.
On their part, Ijaw Women under the aegis of Ijaw Women Connect said the decision to host a reception and thanksgiving ceremony in Abalama for someone whom they alleged has consistently worked against the interests of the people is a betrayal of Ijaw values and traditions.
President, Ijaw Women Connect Worldwide, Dr. Vivian Ige Elenwo in a statement condemning the planned reception said: “As mothers, daughters, and sisters, we weep for the pain and suffering inflicted upon our families and communities. We condemn the lack of conscience and loyalty displayed by those who prioritize their personal interests over the well-being and dignity of our people”.
“We call on all Ijaw people, particularly our leaders and elders, to stand up against this betrayal and demand accountability from those who claim to represent us”.
Meanwhile, checks by our correspondent shows that the organisers are still going ahead with the planned event as canopies and other equipments have been set up at Abalama Secondary School Field, venue for the thanksgiving.
