Hundreds of women from across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State took to the streets on Friday, demanding the return of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and an end to the state of emergency declared by the Federal Government.
The women, who marched peacefully to the Rivers State Government House, said their protest was a cry for justice and the return of democratic rule in the state. Many of them carried placards with messages like “Bring back our Governor” and “Respect our votes.”
The protest follows a controversial decision by President Bola Tinubu to suspend Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state assembly on March 18, 2025.
In their place, the president appointed Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas (rtd) as sole administrator of the state.
The president said the move was necessary due to rising political tension, disobedience to a Supreme Court ruling, and worsening security challenges, including pipeline vandalism by suspected militants said to be loyal to Fubara.
But critics, including many civil society groups, say the decision is unconstitutional and an abuse of power.
