Women in Port Harcourt Divided: Protests Highlight Tensions Over Rivers State Emergency Rule.

By Prosper Mene, April 14, 2025, 

The streets of Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, buzzed with emotion as hundreds of women took part in rival protests today, revealing the deep rift over the state’s ongoing political crisis. The demonstrations focused on a state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as Sole Administrator. The women, split into two camps, voiced starkly different views on the emergency rule, reflecting the broader struggle for stability and democracy in Rivers State.

On one side, a large group of women, many dressed in white, marched peacefully along Aba Road toward the Government House, singing songs of solidarity and carrying placards with messages like “State of Emergency Is Constitutional,” “No More Fubara,” and “We Need Peace.” They expressed strong support for President Tinubu’s decision, arguing that the emergency rule has brought calm to a state rocked by political tensions. “Since the emergency was declared, we’ve seen peace,” one protester told reporters, echoing the group’s belief that the Sole Administrator’s leadership is a step toward stability. Some women also called for an investigation into alleged “inflated contracts” from Fubara’s administration, signaling frustration with past governance. Their rally was described as a show of unity, with participants emphasizing their desire to move past ethnic divisions and unrest.

Across town, another group of women took to the streets to oppose the emergency measures, demanding Fubara’s immediate reinstatement. Waving banners with slogans like “Bring Back Fubara” and “End Injustice,” they criticized the state of emergency as an undemocratic power grab. “We voted for our governor, and that choice should be respected,” one protester said, her voice rising above the crowd. These women, some of whom had protested days earlier on April 11, argued that the suspension of Fubara and the imposition of a Sole Administrator undermine the will of Rivers State’s people. They called the emergency rule “unconstitutional” and urged Nigeria’s leaders, as well as the global community, to intervene in defense of democracy. Their march was part of a series of demonstrations that began last week, with similar protests on April 11 drawing hundreds to demand the restoration of elected institutions.

The protests come against a tense political standoff in Rivers State, sparked by a feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now a key figure in Tinubu’s administration. The crisis escalated in March when Tinubu cited a “breakdown of governance” to justify the emergency declaration, suspending Fubara for six months. Since then, Rivers State has been a centrepoint for debates about democracy, power, and local autonomy.

For the pro-emergency protesters, the focus was on moving forward. “We’re tired of the fighting,” said a marcher in her 50s, clutching a sign that read “No Ethnic War in Rivers State.” Her group praised the Sole Administrator for restoring order and urged residents to support Tinubu’s plan. Meanwhile, the anti-emergency protesters framed their rally as a fight for justice. “This isn’t about one man—it’s about our rights,” a young woman declared, pointing to her placard demanding “Save Our Democracy.” Their frustration was palpable, building on earlier demonstrations that had seen tear gas used against protesters in Port Harcourt just a week ago.

Both marches remained largely peaceful, though the contrasting messages underscored the challenge of uniting Rivers State. The pro-emergency group’s rally was seen as a counter to the earlier anti-emergency protests, with some onlookers noting the organized turnout on both sides. “These women are speaking for all of us,” said a local trader watching the demonstrations. “But they want different things, and that’s the problem.”

The women of Port Harcourt have made it clear they won’t stay silent. Their protests, whether for stability under emergency rule or for the return of elected leadership signals a deep commitment to their communities and a call for leaders to listen to the people’s voice.