Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has criticized the Nigeria Police for what he described as a “heavy-handed” and “selective” response to protests in Ahoada East on Monday, accusing the security forces of violating democratic rights.
His comments followed the forceful dispersal of demonstrators demanding his reinstatement in Ahoada East, where security operatives reportedly used teargas on elderly protesters.
Meanwhile, a separate pro-emergency rule rally in Port Harcourt proceeded without incident.
“The police have two standards for the same activity,” said Jerry Omatsogunwa, Fubara’s Special Adviser on Electronic Media. “Those women in Ahoada are the heroes of democracy.”
Footage from the Ahoada protest showed elderly women running from teargas, some kneeling in distress while chanting, “We want Fubara, we want peace.” One woman told reporters, “We are hungry, we are suffering and dying. Sim is our hope.”
In contrast, hundreds marched peacefully in Port Harcourt under the banner of “Rivers Women for Peace and Good Governance.”
The group voiced support for the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu and praised the appointment of retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as sole administrator of the state.
“We thank the President for restoring order,” said the group’s convener, former Social Welfare Commissioner Mrs. Inime Aguma. “The democratic structure had collapsed, and the House of Assembly was comatose.”
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Governor Fubara’s camp rejected that view, calling the emergency rule unconstitutional and accusing the sole administrator of pursuing personal political interests.
“The whole world should keep an eye on the state Commissioner of Police and the sole administrator,” Omatsogunwa stated.
The protests come amid escalating political tensions in Rivers State following the federal government’s suspension of the governor, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly.
The move has sparked legal challenges, with eleven PDP governors backing a Supreme Court suit to overturn the emergency declaration.
Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), is reportedly preparing a formal response on behalf of the Presidency.
As political uncertainty deepens, stakeholders across the country are calling for calm, constitutional adherence, and the protection of democratic processes in Rivers State.