Tensions have escalated once again in Rivers State as scores of women took to the streets of Port Harcourt on Wednesday, demanding the immediate reinstatement of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Clad in red attire, the protesters marched through major roads in the state capital, calling for the restoration of democracy and decrying what they described as an unconstitutional takeover of governance.
The protest follows President Bola Tinubu’s controversial suspension of Governor Fubara in March amid an intensifying political dispute with his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state and appointed Ibok-ete Ibas as sole administrator for an initial six-month term.
Since assuming office, Ibas has faced criticism from political stakeholders and civil society groups, especially over his sweeping dismissal of Fubara’s appointees and the appointment of loyalists widely seen to be aligned with Wike.