Women Protest in Port Harcourt, Demand Reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara
Rivers State Political Crisis Deepens as Women Rally Against Suspension
Tensions in Rivers State soared on Wednesday as hundreds of women, dressed in symbolic red attire, stormed the streets of Port Harcourt. The protesters demanded the immediate reinstatement of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, decrying what they termed as an “unconstitutional takeover” of the state’s democratic governance.
Red-Clad Protesters March for Democracy
The women, chanting slogans and waving placards, marched through key roads in the state capital. They called for the restoration of democracy and expressed anger over what they viewed as political injustice against Governor Fubara.
Their protest is the latest reaction to President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Siminalayi Fubara in March—an action that has drawn both national and international scrutiny.
Tinubu’s Emergency Rule and the Role of Ibok-ete Ibas
President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State led to the appointment of retired Rear Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas as sole administrator for an initial six-month period. This move followed escalating tensions between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Since taking over, Ibas has dismissed Fubara’s key appointees and replaced them with individuals widely seen as loyal to Wike—sparking fierce criticism from political stakeholders and civil society groups.
Calls Grow Louder for Fubara’s Return
As the protest continues to gain momentum, political observers warn of a growing crisis in the oil-rich state. The women’s march adds to the pressure on the federal government to reconsider the suspension and to ensure a democratic resolution to the Rivers State power struggle.
