Protests continue in Rivers State as hundreds of women from the Opobo Kingdom marched to demand the immediate reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Remember that Governor Fubara was suspended following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
The women rejected the appointment of a Sole Administrator to manage the state’s affairs, calling the emergency rule unconstitutional.
Led by the President of the Opobo Women Association, Felicia Pepple, the protest began with a solemn prayer session at King Jaja Monument Square, where the women wore black to seek divine intervention.
A sermon delivered by Venerable Michael Dappa inspired the protesters, who then marched to the Water Side, chanting, “Bring back our Governor,” and sat on the ground in protest.
Pepple emphasized the governor’s positive contributions to the state’s development and appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate Fubara.
She said, “We voted for our peaceful and amiable Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara; we say no to emergency rule.” Pepple called on Nigerians to support their cause and criticized the hardship faced by the people of Rivers State under the emergency rule.
Another protester and resident of Port Harcourt, Blessing Accra-Jaja lamented that the town’s once-bustling landmarks, like King Jaja Monument Square and local hotels, had become deserted. She urged the National Assembly Reconciliation Committee and President Tinubu to reinstate Governor Fubara, hoping it would restore peace and bring back the town’s festive spirit.
The Rivers Women Unite Prayer Group also expressed concern over the ongoing emergency rule, calling on President Tinubu to end the crisis. They warned that the economy of Rivers State was deteriorating, causing hardship for women, youths, and children.
In a prayer rally held in Port Harcourt, the group urged the president to lift the emergency rule, restore the state’s democratic institutions, and return Governor Fubara to office.
