Rivers women stage protest , demand reinstatement of Fubara

Hundreds of women took to the streets of Port Harcourt on Friday, calling for the return of suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

The demonstrators, identifying as concerned mothers and wives, marched from the busy Aba Road to the Rivers State Government House, holding placards with messages such as “Bring back Fubara,” “Save our democracy,” “Is the law different for Rivers State?” and “God of justice, arise for Rivers State.”

Chanting in unison, the group appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene by lifting the suspension placed on Fubara and restoring democratic governance in the state.

The protesters expressed dismay over what they described as a “military-style leadership disguised as a state of emergency,” stressing that the people of Rivers State deserve constitutional rule and proper representation.

Some of the protest leaders voiced their dissatisfaction with the current political instability and commended Governor Fubara’s continued efforts to govern despite the upheaval.

“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 protester said.

The march remained calm and orderly, with women of various ages participating. Organizers emphasized the non-partisan nature of the protest, stating that their cause is centered on democratic principles.

“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 protest leaders remarked.

The demonstration began with prayers at Isaac Boro Park before the women proceeded with their peaceful walk through the city.

Governor Fubara, along with his deputy and members of the state legislature, were suspended amid a prolonged political conflict in Rivers State. In response, President Tinubu appointed a sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, to oversee the state’s affairs.