Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has criticized the Nigeria Police for their alleged excessive force and suppression of peaceful protests in various parts of the state, as political tensions continue to rise in the oil-rich South-South region.​....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The unrest follows two separate demonstrations by women’s groups in Port Harcourt City and Ahoada East Local Government Areas. While the Port Harcourt protesters supported the declaration of a state of emergency, those in Ahoada East called for Fubara’s reinstatement.​

Last Friday, a group named Rivers Women Unite for Sim protested against the emergency rule and demanded Fubara’s return. Conversely, the Rivers Women for Peace and Good Governance, dressed predominantly in white, supported the emergency rule, asserting its constitutionality and expressing support for President Bola Tinubu.​

Led by former Social Welfare Commissioner Mrs. Inime Aguma, the pro-emergency group marched through Port Harcourt, displaying placards with messages such as “Emergency rule is Constitutional” and “We support Tinubu.” Aguma praised the leadership of Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.), stating that his administration has brought peace and good governance to the state.​

In contrast, the Ahoada East protest turned chaotic when security operatives fired teargas at approximately 200 women protesting against the emergency rule and advocating for Fubara’s reinstatement. The protesters, from Elleye and Engine communities, carried placards with messages like “Ibas leave us alone” and “Our democracy is threatened.”​

A viral video from the protest showed emotional scenes, including an elderly woman being assisted after inhaling teargas. Protesters chanted “We want Fubara” and knelt, pleading for peace in Rivers State.​

Jerry Omatsogunwa, Special Adviser to Fubara on Electronic Media, commended the Ahoada protesters as “heroes of democracy” and criticized the police for their unequal treatment of demonstrators. He questioned the motives of Sole Administrator Ibas, suggesting he might be pursuing a governorship ambition in Cross River State.​

The political crisis intensified after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly. Tinubu appointed Ibas as the sole administrator for an initial six-month period, a move supported by the National Assembly.​

In response, eleven PDP governors have filed a lawsuit against the President and the National Assembly at the Supreme Court, challenging the legality of the emergency declaration and the suspension of elected officials. Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) is preparing the federal government’s defense in the case.​