In Rivers State, mixed reactions have followed the declaration of a state of emergency, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers.
The move, announced by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025, has sparked significant unrest and division across the state.
On April 14, 2025, a group of women in Port Harcourt took to the streets in support of the emergency rule, wearing white attire and holding placards with messages such as “State of Emergency Is Constitutional” and “No Tribal War in Rivers State, No More Fubara.” The protesters argued that the emergency measure had led to a noticeable reduction in criminal activities, including killings and cult violence, in the region.
However, earlier protests from different groups condemned the suspension of the state’s elected officials, accusing the federal government of undermining democracy. These women, also in large numbers, demanded the reinstatement of Governor Fubara, citing the action as politically motivated and harmful to the democratic process.
The declaration of the emergency rule has also sparked legal battles, with opposition-led state governments challenging the constitutionality of the suspension of elected leaders. The ongoing debate highlights the tension between federal authority and state autonomy, with the future of governance in Rivers State still uncertain.
As Rivers remains under emergency rule, the state faces a critical crossroads, with ongoing protests and legal challenges shaping the unfolding situation.
