Tensions continue to rise in Rivers State as suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara has publicly criticized the Nigeria Police Force for what he describes as a “double standard” in handling peaceful protests. His comments follow the forceful disruption of a pro-Fubara rally in Ahoada East, where police reportedly used teargas on elderly women and peaceful demonstrators.
Two Sides of the Same Protest: Peaceful in Port Harcourt, Chaotic in Ahoada
On Monday, April 15, 2025, two simultaneous protests unfolded across Rivers State, exposing sharp divides in public sentiment:
- In Port Harcourt, a march supporting the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers was held by the group “Rivers Women for Peace and Good Governance.”
- Meanwhile, in Ahoada East, demonstrators demanded the reinstatement of Governor Fubara, voicing their opposition to the imposed emergency rule.
While the Port Harcourt protest proceeded peacefully, the Ahoada protest turned chaotic as security agents dispersed the crowd using teargas, despite the demonstrators being largely composed of elderly women and youths.
“The police treated the two protests differently. That’s not justice—it’s oppression,” said Jerry Omatsogunwa, Special Adviser to Governor Fubara on Electronic Media.
Disturbing Footage from Ahoada
Videos from the Ahoada protest show women kneeling and crying as they chant: “We want Fubara, we want peace.” One distressed protester added, “We are hungry, suffering, and dying. Sim is our hope.”
According to reports, an elderly woman fainted after being teargassed, further intensifying public outrage over the police response.
Port Harcourt Protesters Applaud Emergency Rule
In contrast, the Port Harcourt demonstrators marched from Garrison Junction to Isaac Boro Park, holding placards like:
- “Emergency Rule Is Constitutional”
- “Investigate Fubara’s Bloated Contracts”
The protest was led by Mrs. Inime Aguma, a former Commissioner for Social Welfare, who applauded President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) as sole administrator of the state.
“Our democratic institutions had collapsed. The emergency rule has restored peace and leadership,” Aguma stated.
Governor’s Aide Slams Supporters of Emergency Rule
Fubara’s media adviser, Omatsogunwa, dismissed the support for the state of emergency as “endorsement of illegality.” He also accused the sole administrator of nurturing political ambitions in Cross River State and called on both national and international stakeholders to closely monitor events in Rivers.
“The whole world must watch what the state Commissioner of Police and the sole administrator are doing,” he warned.
Constitutional Crisis: The Legal Battle Continues
The political unrest in Rivers State intensified after President Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the State Assembly. In response, the National Assembly backed a declaration of emergency rule.
However, 11 governors from the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are challenging the legality of this declaration. According to reports from Premium Times Nigeria, the governors have hired senior lawyers to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), is preparing an official response on behalf of the Presidency.
What This Means for Rivers State
As Rivers State faces a political crossroad, citizens and leaders alike are calling for:
- Calmness
- Respect for constitutional order
- Restoration of democratic integrity
The voices from both streets and courtrooms echo a shared sentiment: Rivers State deserves peace and legitimate governance.
Read more about the impact of state of emergency declarations in Nigeria on governance and democracy.
More on the national political climate at Premium Times Nigeria.
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