A large group of women gathered in Port Harcourt on Friday, calling for the reinstatement of the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
The demonstration began on Aba Road and later moved to the Rivers State Government House, where the protesters displayed placards bearing messages such as “Bring back Fubara,” “Save our democracy,” “Is the law different for Rivers State?” and “God of justice, arise for Rivers State.”
The women, identifying themselves as mothers and wives, appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to lift the suspension on Governor Fubara and restore the democratic institutions of the state. They expressed concerns over what they termed an “unconstitutional military rule masked as a state of emergency,” emphasizing that the people of Rivers State deserved better than the current undemocratic situation.
Despite the ongoing political crisis, the protesters praised Governor Fubara for his continued efforts in serving the state. “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 remarked.
The demonstration remained peaceful, with women of all ages participating in the march. Protest leaders stressed that the movement was about upholding democratic values, rather than any political agenda. “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 leader explained.
The protestors began their day with prayers at Isaac Boro Park before continuing their march along Aba Road. Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended during the prolonged political crisis in the state. Subsequently, President Tinubu appointed a sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, to manage the state’s affairs.