Women on Monday flooded the streets of Port Harcourt in support of President Bola Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers State demanded accountability.
The protesters, numbering in scores, marched with placards and banners, chanting solidarity songs in favour of the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), and President Tinubu.
They demanded a comprehensive investigation into what they described as “inflated contracts” allegedly awarded under the suspended administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
This development comes just three days after a counter-protest by another group of women who opposed the suspension of Fubara and condemned the imposition of emergency rule.
The state of emergency was declared on March 18, 2025, following claims of political instability and governance breakdown. The declaration led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly.
In their place, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) as the sole administrator to manage the affairs of Rivers State for an initial six-month period.
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Since assuming office, Ibas has suspended several officials and made new appointments into key state institutions, a move that has triggered mixed reactions across political divides.
While Monday’s protesters supported Ibas’ actions, others, including legal experts and civil society groups, have described the federal government’s intervention as a constitutional breach.
The Nigerian Bar Association and several opposition leaders have questioned the legality of suspending elected state officials without due legislative and judicial processes.
A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has slated May 21 for a hearing on a suit challenging the legality of the state of emergency and the suspension of the Fubara-led government.
Despite the controversies, the atmosphere in Rivers remains tense, with ongoing demonstrations reflecting deepening divisions among residents.
Observers fear the unfolding situation may further strain federal-state relations and set a precedent for future political interventions in Nigeria’s democracy.
Crediblenewsng.com
