Groups of Rivers women under the aegis of Rivers Women Unite for SIM, yesterday, took to the streets to protest against political crises in the state.
The women warned that the crises could compound security challenges in the state and called on political actors to respect the office of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Led by a former Commissioner for Environment, Prof. Roseline Konya, the women also cautioned politicians against using their ambitions to cause chaos. They noted that there cannot be two governors at a time; hence, Fubara should be allowed to govern in peace.
Konya called on all lovers of peace to join in building a better Rivers State, saying: “In view of the political situation in the state, we demand genuine peace and ask respect for the office of the state governor, as enshrined in the constitution. We affirm our resolve to totally support the government, led by Fubara, in his effort to protect Rivers State and actualise the dreams and aspirations of our people.
“As mothers, we also call on individuals who undermine the office of the governor. We unequivocally condemn this menace and advise politicians to desist from such acts. It is our resolve that every form of acrimony in the state endangers the dignity of Rivers people and the glory of Rivers State. As such, we urge Rivers people not to be discouraged but to join in the collective effort to build a prosperous state.”
The women urged condemnation of all threats and forms of lawlessness and subtle invitation to anarchy. They also commended the peaceful disposition of the governor in the face of the crises, assuring that they would continue to galvanise support for his administration and for peace in the state.
Responding on behalf of the governor, a former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Evans Bipi, assured the women that the current administration is resolute about transforming the state.
Also, Special Adviser to the Rivers State Governor on Political Strategy, Darlington Orji, described the walk as expected, saying it was the right thing to do in view of political crises in the state.
