The Amayanabo of Abalama, King Dr. A. B. Big Tom Tom JP, has rejected a planned Thanksgiving Service and Civic Reception in honour of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, citing political tension and security concerns in Rivers State.
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In a letter dated March 12, 2025, addressed to the State Commissioner of Police, the monarch expressed shock upon learning about the event through Facebook, despite being the paramount ruler of Abalama.
He recalled that in February 2025, Dr. D. A. Kelly, a known ally of Wike, had visited him with a letter dated January 17, 2025, notifying him of a personal thanksgiving service. However, he later discovered that the event was something entirely different.
Expressing his concerns, the king wrote:
“I, HRH King Dr. A. B. Big Tom Tom JP, Amayanabo VIII of Abalama, on behalf of the council of chiefs and the people of Abalama, wish to inform you of the present state of affairs in my community.
To my greatest surprise, I became aware of an upcoming event in my own community through Facebook on March 12, 2025. As the paramount head and custodian of Abalama, I consider this a slap in the face.
Without my knowledge or consent, information about the event has been widely circulated on social media, radio, and television. In February 2025, I received a courtesy visit from Dr. D. A. Kelly’s personal assistant and another individual, who delivered a letter dated January 17, 2025, titled ‘Notification of My Upcoming Thanksgiving Service.’ The letter indicated that the event was for Dr. Kelly’s personal thanksgiving in recognition of his appointment by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
However, given the ongoing political tensions in the state, I contacted him via text after several unanswered calls, advising that the event be put on hold. The date was not yet fixed, and I was deeply concerned about the security of my people.”
The monarch emphasized that the community had already banned political gatherings due to the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, stating:
“My council of chiefs and I have resolved that no political activity should take place in Abalama due to the prevailing political crisis in Rivers State. I even made a public radio announcement to that effect.”
He also expressed frustration over the lack of communication from Dr. D. A. Kelly, who now serves as the Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA).
“I repeatedly called Dr. Kelly and his PA to inform them of the latest developments, but they failed to respond. As an elderly man, I am deeply conscious of security concerns and the safety of my people.”
Declaring Abalama a non-partisan community, the king firmly stated:
“My people and I completely disassociate ourselves from this event. We were deceived by the initial letter, believing it was for a personal thanksgiving, only to discover it was an entirely different event.”
The Amayanabo of Abalama urged the Commissioner of Police to take immediate action, warning that the event’s organizers had no right to proceed without his approval.
“Abalama is an autonomous community with a king. No one has the right to organize such an event without my knowledge and the consent of my council of chiefs,” he emphasized.
The monarch concluded by reaffirming the community’s stance, stating:
“My people and I have decided that the organizers should move their event elsewhere. Abalama will not be part of it.”
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