Hundreds of Kalabari women in Rivers State have blocked the main road into their kingdom, vowing to prevent the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, from attending a civic reception in his honor. Dressed in black with white lace headbands, the women arrived at the protest site as early as 7 a.m. to begin their demonstration. The event, organized by the NEW Associates, was scheduled for Saturday, March 15, in Abalama community, Asari-Toru Local Government Area. However, the King of Abalama Kingdom, His Royal Highness King Big Tom-Tom, had called for its cancellation, stating that the community was not open to political gatherings at this time. Despite the king’s opposition, the organizers insisted on proceeding with the event. In response, women of various age groups took to the streets, declaring that the gathering must not take place in Kalabari land. The protesters cited Wike’s previous comment labeling the Kalabari people as a minority in Rivers State as the reason for their rejection of his visit.