By Ayomide Otitoju
A large group of women staged a peaceful protest in Port Harcourt on Friday, calling for the immediate reinstatement of suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
The demonstrators, who identified themselves as concerned mothers and wives, marched from Isaac Boro Park through Aba Road to the Rivers State Government House, holding placards with inscriptions such as “Bring Back Fubara,” “Save Our Democracy,” and “Is the Law Different for Rivers State?”
Chanting solidarity songs, the women appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in what they described as an undemocratic disruption of governance in the state. They decried the current political impasse as a “military rule masked as a state of emergency,” insisting that Rivers people deserve a return to constitutional order.
Speaking to Channels Television, several protest leaders expressed concern over what they viewed as injustice and a disregard for democratic principles. They praised Governor Fubara’s resilience, stating that despite the political crisis, he has continued to deliver governance to the people.
“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 protest remained calm and orderly, drawing participation from women across all age groups. Organizers emphasized that the demonstration was not politically motivated but a grassroots movement to safeguard democratic integrity in the state.
“This is beyond Governor Fubara. It is about defending our votes, upholding justice, and protecting the future of Rivers State,” a protest leader declared.
The women began the day with prayers at Isaac Boro Park before embarking on the march to the state government house, reiterating their commitment to non-violence and democratic advocacy.
