A wave of frustration and anger swept through Port Harcourt the capital of Rivers state on Friday as a massive crowd of women staged a peaceful protest along the bustling Aba Road, demanding the reinstatement of the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. The women, who identified themselves as “mothers and wives,” marched with unwavering resolve, carrying placards that read: “Bring back Fubara,” “Save our democracy,” and “Is the law different for Rivers State?”
The protest, which began at Isaac Boro Park with fervent prayers, soon advanced toward the Rivers State Government House. The demonstrators chanted solidarity songs and invoked divine intervention, calling for justice and a return to democratic order in the state. The energy was unmistakable as the women maintained discipline and order, showcasing unity across various age groups and communities.
Appeal to President Tinubu: “Save Our Democracy”
One of the most striking aspects of the protest was the direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu. The women, some draped in traditional attire and others in black, implored the president to lift the suspension imposed on Governor Fubara and his deputy. They urged the federal government to reinstate all democratic institutions in Rivers State, which they claim have been sidelined under the current political arrangement.
“We are not asking for too much,” said one of the protest leaders. “We are simply asking for what is right — the return of our elected leaders and respect for the constitution. Rivers State is not a military zone.” They further criticized what they described as a “military rule masked as a state of emergency,” stressing that democracy must prevail
Protesters Decry Political Injustice, Demand Constitutional Order In Rivers State
The women expressed deep frustration over the prolonged political crisis, which has led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state House of Assembly. While speaking to opitanglobamedia news , several protesters argued that the current situation was a gross violation of democratic norms and painted Rivers State as a political experiment.
“What is happening now is not democracy. The governor has been delivering on his promises despite all the distractions. This is pure injustice,” a protester lamented. The women insisted that their actions were not politically motivated but driven by the desire to uphold constitutional governance and protect the votes of Rivers people.
Peaceful Demonstration Draws Statewide Solidarity
The protest remained peaceful throughout, despite its intensity. Women from various local government areas and communities joined the march, united by a shared sense of betrayal and injustice. Protest leaders were clear in their message: the demonstration was about the people, not politics.
“We are here to defend our votes and the sanctity of our democracy. This is beyond Governor Fubara; it’s about justice and the future of Rivers State,” said another protester. The movement, according to them, was an awakening — a call to stand up against what they view as an erosion of democratic principles in the oil-rich state.
Background: Political Crisis and Appointment of Sole Administrator
The protest comes in the wake of a months-long political crisis that has rocked Rivers State, culminating in the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the House of Assembly. The crisis, which has drawn national attention, reached a boiling point when President Tinubu appointed a retired naval officer, Ibok-Ete Ibas, as sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
This move, seen by many as a controversial imposition, has been met with increasing public backlash. The women’s protest on Friday marks the most visible expression of civil dissent against the federal government’s decision, signaling that the crisis in Rivers State is far from over and that the people — particularly the women — are ready to fight peacefully for the restoration of their democratic rights
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