Protests have erupted in Rivers State following the alleged imposition of terms on Governor Siminalaye Fubara by President Bola Tinubu. The people of the state have threatened to shut down all business activities unless the terms are reversed. The protest, which began on Friday, has gained momentum, with thousands of protesters occupying major streets in Port Harcourt in support of Governor Fubara.
Six elders from Rivers State have taken the matter to the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing Tinubu of compelling Fubara to enter into an unconstitutional agreement. The elders, including Senator Bennett Birabi, Senator Andrew Uchendu, and others, argue that the peace pact brokered by Tinubu goes against the provisions of the constitution.
The joint protest involves various groups, including the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Greater Wakirike Movement, National Union of Rivers State Students, Ijaw Youth Council, and others. During the peaceful walk that terminated at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the Ijaw Youth Council Chairman in the State, Tamunotonye Kpokpo, condemned the purported agreement initiated by Tinubu, vowing that the Ijaws would resist any plan to undermine Fubara.
The group, in a joint press conference, insisted that the eight-point resolution by the President was a sham and posed fundamental threats to the nation’s democracy. They alleged a plan to enslave Rivers people and bring the state under the tyrannical control of one man. The coalition warned of long drawn, non-violent protest rallies in the state and threatened to shut down key facilities and locations from January 1 to 30, 2024.
The protesters criticized the resolutions, questioning their authenticity, and accused President Tinubu of working with Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, to undermine the constitution for their political ambitions. They highlighted alleged injustices and discrepancies in the resolutions, urging Rivers people to be prepared for self-help mechanisms to protect their dignity.
The group also questioned President Tinubu’s acceptance of the defection of 27 House of Assembly Members from the People’s Democratic Party to the All Progressive Congress, contrasting it with his stance on the Rivers State House of Assembly. The protesters warned of continued occupation until President Tinubu addresses their concerns and urged Rivers people to resist any attempt to compromise their collective hegemony.