Rivers monarch warns against holding Wike’s thanksgiving in his domain

The Amayanabo of Abalama, King Dr. A. B. Big Tom Tom JP, has declined a proposed Thanksgiving Service and Civic Reception planned in honour of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, raising concerns over political instability and safety in the community.

In a letter addressed to the state police commissioner on March 12, 2025, the monarch expressed surprise at learning of the event through social media, despite being the paramount ruler of Abalama.

He recalled that in January 2025, Dr. D. A. Kelly — an ally of Wike — had informed him of a personal thanksgiving service, but the monarch later discovered the event had grown into something else entirely.

He stated: “I, HRH King Dr. A. B. Big Tom Tom JP, Amayanabo VIII of Abalama community, on behalf of the council of chiefs and members of Abalama, write to inform you of the present state of affairs in Abalama.”

The monarch expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and communication, noting he had tried reaching out to Kelly, who now heads the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), without success.

Citing rising political tension in Rivers State, the king reiterated the community’s decision to ban political activities to safeguard residents. “I and my council of chiefs also resolved that no political activity should be held in Abalama because of the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State,” he wrote, adding that he had made a public radio announcement to reinforce this stance.

The monarch further emphasized Abalama’s autonomy, stating that no event of such scale should be organized without his consent. “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,” he stressed.

Urging law enforcement to intervene, the king made it clear that Abalama would not host the gathering. “I and my people have resolved that the organisers of the event should take the event to anywhere of their choice,” he concluded.