A large group of women on Friday gathered in the Aba road area of Port Harcourt to demand the reinstatement of Rivers State’s suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
The protest began on the main road and progressed to the Rivers State Government House, featuring placards with messages like “Bring back Fubara,” “Save our democracy,” “Is the law different for Rivers State?” and “God of justice, arise for Rivers State.”
Chanting songs of solidarity, the women, identifying themselves as mothers and wives, called on President Bola Tinubu to lift the suspension on Governor Fubara and restore all democratic institutions in the state.
They criticized what they termed “unconstitutional military rule disguised as a state of emergency,” asserting that the people of Rivers State deserve better than the current undemocratic situation.
In interviews with Channels Television, several protesters and leaders voiced their frustration over the ongoing political turmoil in the state. They pointed out that despite the crisis, Governor Fubara has continued to fulfill his responsibilities, delivering the benefits of democracy.
“We are a peaceful people and do not deserve this kind of injustice. The governor has been doing his job despite the distractions. What is happening now is not democracy,” one of the protesters said.
The demonstration remained peaceful, with women of all ages joining the march. Protest leaders emphasized that their movement was not about politics but about protecting the democratic values of the state.
“We are here to defend our votes and the sanctity of our democracy. This is beyond Fubara; it’s about justice and the future of Rivers State,” one of the leaders noted.
The women had earlier held prayers at Isaac Boro Park before progressing with the march on Aba Road.
Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers House of Assembly were suspended in the wake of the months-long political crisis in the oil-rich state.
Tinubu thereafter appointed a sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, to run the affairs of the state.