Fubara Condemns Police “Double Standards” as Rivers State Protests Turn Chaotic

Political Tension Escalates Following Emergency Rule Declaration

Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has strongly criticized the Nigeria Police for what he calls “double standards” in their handling of protests against emergency rule in Ahoada East. The governor’s camp alleges excessive force was used against peaceful demonstrators, threatening democratic rights in the state.

Divergent Protests Rock Rivers State

The political crisis intensified on Monday with two simultaneous demonstrations:

• Port Harcourt: Peaceful rally supporting President Tinubu’s emergency declaration
• Ahoada East: Violent dispersal of pro-Fubara protesters with teargas

Contrasting Scenes of Civil Unrest

Jerry Omatsogunwa, Special Adviser to Governor Fubara, described disturbing scenes: Old women came out in Ahoada to exercise their right to protest… the police teargassed them to the extent that one fainted. Video evidence showed distressed women chanting We want Fubara, we want peace while fleeing security forces.

Meanwhile, the Port Harcourt protest organized by Rivers Women for Peace and Good Governance proceeded without incident, with participants holding placards supporting the emergency rule and calling for investigations into Fubara’s administration.

Legal and Political Fallout

The crisis stems from:

• President Tinubu’s suspension of Fubara and state assembly
• Appointment of retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as sole administrator
• Pending Supreme Court challenge by 11 PDP governors

While former Social Welfare Commissioner Inime Aguma praised the emergency rule for restoring governance, Fubara’s camp maintains it represents supporting illegality and warns of political ambitions behind the administration.

Constitutional Crisis Looms

With the Attorney General preparing the Federal Government’s response and legal challenges underway, Rivers State faces an uncertain political future. Observers warn the situation tests Nigeria’s democratic institutions as calls for constitutional order grow louder.

Credit: Daily Post Nigeria