A group of women on Friday walked out of the renewed hope initiative empowerment programme in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers, demanding the return of Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state.
The event was organised at the behest of Remi Tinubu, the first lady, in collaboration with the office of the senior special adviser to the president on sustainable development goals.
The programme was convened to distribute empowerment items to women across the state.
However, the programme took an unexpected turn when Theresa, wife of Ibok-Ette Ibas — the sole administrator of the state — was invited to speak, prompting some women to walk out of the event, chanting slogans like “Bring back Fubara, we don’t know Ibas”, and “We want Sim.”
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The demonstration continued outside the event centre as the programme went on indoors, with Ibas’ wife delivering a speech on behalf of the first lady.
BACKGROUND
On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing the prolonged political crisis.
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He also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly for a period of six months.
The president appointed Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.
After his appointment, Ibas suspended all political officeholders appointed by Fubara.
Several stakeholders have criticised Ibas over the handling of the state’s affairs.
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There have been protests in the state demanding the reinstatement of Fubara.
