A large group of women under the banner of Rivers Women United for Sim (RWUS) staged a peaceful protest in Port Harcourt on Thursday, calling for the reinstatement of suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and demanding the restoration of peace and democracy in the state.
The demonstrators, made up mostly of mothers, wives, and female professionals from various communities across Rivers State, carried placards and chanted songs of unity and resistance. They urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the political crisis that has rocked the state since Fubara’s suspension in March 2025.
The women converged on Aba Road, one of Port Harcourt’s busiest streets, before marching peacefully towards the Rivers State Government House. Their placards bore strong messages such as:
– Bring Back Fubara
– Save Our Democracy
– Is the Law Different for Rivers State?
– God of Justice, Arise for Rivers State
Many of the women held banners showing solidarity with the embattled governor. The atmosphere was emotional yet orderly, as the women sang traditional songs of peace and protest.
The call for Fubara’s reinstatement comes amid an ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, which began earlier in 2025 following a fallout between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and some political power blocs within the state.
The situation escalated when Fubara was suspended from office alongside some elected officials, including his deputy, Ngozi Odu. Though details around the suspension remain unclear, it is widely believed that internal political disagreements within the state’s ruling structures triggered the action.
The crisis has sparked fears among residents and drawn national attention, with many calling for dialogue and reconciliation. The suspension of the governor has raised questions about the legal and constitutional processes used, leading to increased public protests and outcry, particularly from civil society groups and concerned citizens.
This is not the first time Rivers women have rallied in support of the governor. On April 11, another massive crowd of women filled the streets of Port Harcourt, chanting and praying for the reinstatement of Fubara and his deputy. They called the suspension “unfair” and warned that the political instability could affect peace, development, and governance in the state.
The recent protest is part of a growing movement led by grassroots women’s groups, market leaders, and community leaders who say they will continue to demonstrate until their demands are met.
Many of the women called directly on President Tinubu to use his office as Commander-in-Chief to ensure that peace returns to Rivers State. They argued that democracy must be protected and that no state should be allowed to descend into political chaos because of personal interests.
“President Tinubu is a father, and we are his daughters,” said Madam Ngozi Amadi, another protester. “We are begging him to save democracy in Rivers State. Let the law speak, not politics. Governor Fubara deserves justice.”
Some placards during the protest read: “Tinubu, Don’t Let Rivers Burn” and “The People’s Mandate Must Be Respected.”
The rallies by Rivers Women United for Sim highlight the increasing role women are playing in Nigeria’s democracy. Historically underrepresented in political matters, women in Rivers State are now taking a bold stand, not just for one governor, but for fairness and the rule of law.
“It is inspiring to see women take the lead,” said Dr. Lydia Akpobari, a political commentator. “This shows that Nigerians are waking up and realizing that democracy must be defended not only at the ballot box but also on the streets, in peace and unity.”
As the political drama in Rivers State continues, the call for peace and reinstatement of Governor Fubara grows louder. The women say they will not be silenced and have promised to organize more peaceful rallies until their demands are heard.
