A dramatic turn of events has unfolded in Rivers State as a coalition of women’s groups took to the streets of Port Harcourt, voicing their support for the emergency rule imposed on the oil-rich state. Led by former Commissioner for Social Welfare, Ifeyinwa Aguma, an ally of Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, the women marched from Garrison Flyover to Isaac Boro Park, clad in white attire and carrying placards with inscriptions like “State of Emergency is Constitutional and We Don’t Want Fubara, according to Channels Television.
This latest development comes hot on the heels of a previous women’s demonstration in favor of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who was suspended by President Bola Tinubu due to the ongoing political crisis in the state. The recent protests, however, paint a different picture, with the women throwing their weight behind Ibok-Ette Ibas, the administrator appointed by President Tinubu to oversee the state. They urged him to continue his good work, signaling a clear divide in public opinion.
While the women’s groups backing the emergency rule claim it is constitutional, others have expressed concerns about the implications for democracy in Rivers State. Some have argued that there is no security threat warranting such a move and have called on various stakeholders, including youth groups, civil society organizations, and the international community, to speak out against what they see as assaults on democracy.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has assured residents that the ongoing crisis will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them. He also alleged that some individuals are bent on causing violence to deny the people their means of livelihood, further complicating the situation.
As the situation in Rivers State continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the political crisis has sparked intense debate and mobilization among various groups. The outcome of this impasse remains uncertain, with the women’s groups’ support for the emergency rule adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation.