Port Harcourt: The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State took a dramatic turn on Monday, April 14, 2025, as a large coalition of women staged a public demonstration in Port Harcourt in support of the recent declaration of a state of emergency by the federal government.
This move has further intensified the already tense atmosphere in the oil-rich state, which has been grappling with political instability for several months.
The protesting women, many of whom were dressed in symbolic white attire, marched peacefully from the Garrison Flyover to the popular Isaac Boro Park in the heart of the city. They carried placards bearing bold inscriptions such as “State of Emergency is Constitutional,
We Don’t Want Fubara,” and “Tinubu Has Done the Right Thing. The demonstration was intended to send a strong message to both state and national authorities that a section of the population supports federal intervention as a means of restoring order.
Leading the march was Ifeyinwa Aguma, a former Commissioner for Social Welfare in Rivers State and a known political ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike
Aguma addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of stability and security in the state and praising President Tinubu’s decisive action in appointing a new administrator to take charge amid the crisis.
The women offered their full support to Ibok-Ette Ibas, the man recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu to serve as the state administrator. They described his leadership as “timely and necessary,” calling on him to continue what they described as the “good work of stabilizing governance and restoring public confidence in state institutions.
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This latest protest comes just one week after a rival women’s demonstration was held in support of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who was suspended by President Tinubu in response to escalating political tensions and alleged misconduct. The earlier protest had called for the reinstatement of Fubara and condemned what his supporters viewed as an unconstitutional and politically motivated move by the presidency.
As rival demonstrations continue to take place, the political landscape in Rivers State remains deeply fractured. The growing divide has fueled speculation over potential long-term consequences for governance, peace, and security in the region.
With supporters of both Fubara and Wike firmly entrenched in their respective positions, the situation underscores the broader struggle for political control and influence in one of Nigeria’s most economically vital states.
Observers warn that unless meaningful dialogue is initiated and cooler heads prevail, the crisis could deepen further, possibly impacting oil production, state development projects, and public morale. For now, the streets of Port Harcourt remain a battleground of ideologies, as citizens make their voices heard in a struggle that shows no signs of slowing down.
