Women walk out of empowerment event in Port Harcourt, call for Governor Fubara’s return
A women’s empowerment event in Port Harcourt on Friday took an unexpected turn when several attendees staged a walkout, demanding the reinstatement of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The event, part of the Renewed Hope Initiative led by First Lady Remi Tinubu in collaboration with the presidential adviser on Sustainable Development Goals, was intended to distribute empowerment materials to women across the state.
Tensions erupted when Theresa Ibas, wife of the state’s sole administrator Ibok-Ette Ibas, was invited to speak on behalf of the First Lady.
Her appearance prompted an immediate protest, with women chanting, “Bring back Fubara, we don’t know Ibas,” and “We want Sim.”
The protest continued outside the venue while the event went on indoors, with Mrs. Ibas delivering her speech without interruption.
The political tension stems from President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, which led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the entire state assembly for six months. In their place, Tinubu appointed retired naval officer Ibok-Ette Ibas as the sole administrator, who later dismissed all officials appointed under Fubara’s administration.
The move has sparked criticism and widespread protests, with many calling for Fubara’s reinstatement.