Hundreds of women on Friday took to the streets of Port Harcourt, marching through the Aba Road axis to demand the immediate reinstatement of suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
The protest, which started at Isaac Boro Park with a prayer session, soon grew into a peaceful procession that moved toward the Rivers State Government House, drawing widespread attention across the city.
Carrying placards with 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 called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and restore democratic governance in the state.
Describing themselves as mothers and wives, the protesters said their demonstration was not politically motivated but driven by a need to protect the state’s democratic institutions.
Chanting solidarity songs as they marched, the women decried what they described as an unconstitutional suspension of elected leaders, warning that Rivers State was being subjected to what they termed “military rule in disguise.”
Several protest leaders, speaking to journalists, including Channels Television, said the people of Rivers State were being denied their democratic rights. They expressed concern over the political instability in the state, emphasizing that despite the ongoing tensions, Governor Fubara had continued to carry out his duties.
“We are a peaceful people. What is happening is not democracy. The governor is still working despite all the distractions,” one protester said.
Another protest leader stressed that the march was about safeguarding democratic values and not just about one individual.
“This is beyond Fubara. It’s about justice, the rule of law, and the future of our children in Rivers State,” she said.
The protest remained calm and orderly, with women of various age groups participating in the march. Organizers say they plan to continue their advocacy until their demands are met.
