Hundreds of women in Rivers State took to the streets of Port Harcourt on Monday to express support for the recent declaration of a state of emergency in the state, marking a significant turn in the ongoing political crisis.
Dressed in white and chanting solidarity songs, the women convened at Garrison Bus Stop at about 8 a.m. and marched along Aba Road towards the Government House. The demonstrators voiced their backing for the appointment of Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), who was installed following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The rally comes just a week after a counter-protest by another group, “Rivers Women for Sim,” who opposed the emergency declaration and called for the reinstatement of the suspended governor. The ongoing protests reflect deepening divisions in the state’s political landscape.
The women at Monday’s rally declared their confidence in the interim leadership of Vice Admiral Ibas, describing the emergency rule as a necessary measure to restore order and stability in the oil-rich state. Placards carried by participants bore inscriptions such as “Peace First, Politics Later,” and “We Stand With Ibas.”
As the demonstration continued, security personnel maintained a noticeable but non-confrontational presence, ensuring the procession moved peacefully through the city’s main roads.
This latest rally adds to the growing political drama in Rivers State, where tensions have been rising following disputes within the ruling party, legislative conflicts, and heightened federal involvement. Analysts say the situation remains fluid, with both local and national implications.
As of the time of filing this report, the protesters were en route to the Government House, with no official response yet from Governor Fubara’s camp or the national leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
