Thousands of women from the 23 local government areas of Rivers State recently took to the streets of Port Harcourt in a peaceful march to show solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Organized under the banner of Rivers Women Unite for Sim (RWUS), the women wore white T-shirts and red or blue fez caps as they marched from CFC Junction along Aba Road to Polo Club in GRA. Dancing to Afrobeat music blasting from mobile speakers, the women carried placards with messages such as “Allow Governor Sim Work in Peace,” “O God Give Us Peace in Rivers,” “Peace is Priceless, Give Peace a Chance,” and “Rivers Mothers Stand for Peace.” Among the demonstrators were elderly, half-clad women who rolled on the ground with placards in hand, emotionally pleading for peace in the state. The peaceful demonstration also drew support from popular personalities including comedian Julius Agwu and Nollywood actress Hilda Dokubo—also the Rivers State Chairperson of the Labour Party—along with other entertainers. Participating groups included market women, the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) Rivers Chapter, National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ijaw Women Connect (IJWC), Non-Indigenes Without Borders (NWB), Rivers Professionals, Arewa Women, and the Rivers Equity Club, among others. During the event, the women observed a minute of silence in honor of the late Dr. Herbert Wigwe, his wife, and son, before stating that the march was a collective effort to raise their voices in the face of the state’s current political tensions. Reading a nine-point resolution, former Rivers State Commissioner for Environment, Professor Roseline Konya, emphasized the women’s unwavering commitment to peace and support for Governor Fubara’s administration. “As mothers, we warn those who intend to pursue their political ambitions through violence to desist immediately,” she said. “We, the Rivers women, unequivocally condemn any attempt to undermine the office of the governor. We urge all politicians involved to act responsibly and uphold the dignity of the state.” Konya further stressed that ongoing political acrimony was a threat to the dignity of Rivers people and called for collective efforts toward building a stable and credible state. The women urged all residents and true lovers of Rivers State to speak out against threats, lawlessness, and attempts to incite anarchy. “We believe in peace and commend our courageous, God-sent Governor Fubara for choosing peace over chaos—an ultimate show of strength,” Konya added. “We will continue to mobilize and sensitize our people until genuine peace is achieved. Peace is not just a destination; it’s a way of life.” Other speakers, including Bonny LGA Chairperson Nancy Nwankwo, Beatrice Awala, and Professor Grace Akaloku, also voiced their unwavering support for Governor Fubara, declaring that he is here to serve the full eight-year term and calling on all parties to prioritize peace in the state.
