Women in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, took to the streets in two separate demonstrations, reflecting stark divisions over the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu on March 18.
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The declaration, made in response to an escalating political crisis in the oil-rich state, resulted in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval officer, was appointed Sole Administrator to govern the state during this period, becoming a polarizing figure in the ongoing unrest.
A group of women, all dressed in white, gathered at Garrison Bus Stop in the city center at 8 a.m. to stage a peaceful rally in support of the emergency rule and Ibas’ administration. The protesters, singing solidarity songs, began their march along Aba Road toward the Government House in Port Harcourt. Their demonstration was orderly, with participants expressing approval of the federal government’s intervention to stabilize the state. The rally underscored their belief that the emergency measures were necessary to address the political turmoil gripping Rivers State.
In a contrasting display, approximately 200 women protested against the state of emergency and demanded the immediate reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This group, chanting solidarity songs in support of the suspended governor, marched through the streets of Port Harcourt, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Ibas, leave us alone,” “Our democracy is threatened,” and “Bring back Sim.” Their demonstration aimed to condemn the appointment of a Sole Administrator and call for a return to elected governance.
As the anti-emergency rule protesters advanced, security operatives, including police officers, intervened to halt their march. When the women refused to disperse, tear gas was deployed, forcing the group to scatter in disarray. A viral video that surfaced later showed some of the women crying after inhaling tear gas, while others sat defiantly on the ground, cursing the security operatives and chanting, “No Sim, no Rivers State.” Despite the disruption, the protesters remained resolute, insisting that Fubara’s return to power was essential for the state’s stability.
However, Ann-Kio Briggs, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, alleged that Ibas is pouring petrol to the fire the President sent him to quench.
“First of all, I can assure you that he is pouring petrol on a fire Mr President believes that was on,” Ann-Kio Briggs said on the programme.
“So, he was told to come and pour water on that fire, to quench it. Well, he has done nothing of the sort, I have told you that he has removed people who were constitutionally and democratically in governance.
“There were no issues, and he came along and removed everybody. Even in the government house, it is alleged that he has removed the pictures of Siminalayi Fubara. I repeat Siminalayi Fubara remains the governor of Rivers State.”
She accused Ibas of currently overseeing violence in Rivers State, saying that the retired military chief is not welcomed in the state.
The rights activist said that although the President stated the state of emergency would last for six months, it doesn’t mean he can’t change his mind and return everything to the status quo before the stipulated time.
Earlier on Monday, two groups of women held rallies in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. While one group was in support of Ibas and the emergency rule, the other group who were half-clothed demanded the return of Fubara.
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