The political landscape in Rivers State has been rocked by two contrasting protests on Monday, centered around the ongoing state of emergency and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. One group of women rallied in support of the emergency rule, while another gathered to demand the reinstatement of the suspended governor.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In Ahoada East Local Government Area, about 200 women protested against the state’s emergency rule and the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as Sole Administrator. The protesters, predominantly from Elleye and Engine communities, held placards calling for the return of Governor Fubara and an end to military-style governance. However, the peaceful protest turned chaotic when security forces, including police officers, used tear gas to disperse the crowd. A video showing the emotional aftermath went viral, with women seen struggling to breathe and an elderly woman fainting.

The protesters voiced their frustrations, claiming that the emergency rule had worsened their living conditions. One protester explained, “We are hungry, suffering, and dying. Sim is our hope. We say bring back our Governor.”

In contrast, another group of women in Port Harcourt, under the banner ‘Rivers Women for Peace and Good Governance,’ marched in support of the emergency rule and Ibas’ appointment. Led by former commissioner Inime Aguma, the group expressed their approval, citing the peace and stability they believed the emergency rule had brought. Aguma praised President Tinubu for his actions, stating that the state’s governance had been in disarray prior to the emergency declaration.

Despite the contrasting views, a clear divide emerged in the treatment of the protests. While the pro-emergency supporters were allowed to march freely, the pro-Fubara group faced harsh resistance from the police, with many questioning the fairness of the response.

Jerry Omatsogunwa, Fubara’s Special Adviser on Electronics Media, condemned the police’s actions, calling it a clear case of political persecution. He called the pro-Fubara protesters “heroes of democracy” and criticized the two-tier response to the protests, stating that the police were overly protective of the pro-emergency group while violently suppressing the pro-Fubara rally.

Omatsogunwa also raised concerns about the intentions of the current administration, hinting at ulterior motives from the Sole Administrator, who he alleged may be using the crisis to further his political ambitions.