Hundreds of women took to the streets of Port Harcourt on Wednesday to protest the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State.
Operating under the banner of Rivers Women Unite Prayer Group, the protesters—clad in red attire—marched through major roads, carrying placards with messages such as “Bring Back Governor Fubara,” “We Are Gagged,” and “Rivers Economy Suffers Under Ibas.”
Chanting protest songs, the women condemned what they described as an “unconstitutional state of affairs” in the state and called for the immediate reinstatement of Governor Fubara.
“We have conscience,” one protester shouted, “and what is happening in Rivers State is not right. This is not democracy!”
This latest protest follows an earlier demonstration in support of the embattled governor, who was suspended by President Bola Tinubu last month following escalating political tensions and security concerns, including two pipeline explosions.
Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state, suspending Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all state lawmakers for an initial six-month period.
“By this declaration,” the President said at the time, “the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended.”
He appointed Ibas to oversee the affairs of the state pending resolution of the crisis—a move that has sparked legal challenges and public outcry.
While a previous protest on the matter supported the emergency rule, Wednesday’s march clearly reflected deepening public discontent.
The PDP Governors’ Forum has rejected the president’s decision and has filed a legal suit challenging the constitution
ality of the action.