WE WANT SIM: How Rivers Women Walk Out Of Remi Tinubu’s Empowerment Event, Demand Lady Valerie Fubara (VIDEO)

Thursday last week , tension soared n Rivers State as hundreds of women staged a dramatic walkout from the “Renewed Hope Initiative” empowerment programme organized by the Nigeria's First Lady Senator Remi Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to the report, the event, which was billed to feature the presentation of empowerment items to 500 women in the state, turned chaotic when the wife of the Sole Administrator, Mrs. Theresa Ibas, was invited to speak on behalf of the First Lady. The moment her name was announced, the atmosphere shifted.

Women chorus according to the video above:  “We want Valerie Sim-Fubara to address us, not the wife of an imposter! We want SIM!”

Accounts by Eyewitnesses said the women were visibly angered that Senator Remi Tinubu failed to show up after they were reportedly informed she would attend in person. Even more upsetting for them was the exclusion of the Rivers State First Lady, Lady Valerie Fubara, from the official lineup.

“We were told the First Lady of Nigeria would be here. If not her, then the wife of our Governor, Lady Valerie Sim-Fubara, should speak to us. Not someone representing someone who doesn't represent us,” one of the women fumed as she joined the protest walkout.

Despite efforts by the organisers to calm the situation, the crowd of women insisted on their demands and eventually exited the venue en masse, effectively grounding the event.

The protest is seen as a direct rejection of the political appointee structure in Rivers State and a strong show of support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his wife, Lady Valerie. Political observers say the incident reflects growing tensions over the legitimacy of certain figures aligned with recent federal interventions in the state.

 Neither Senator Remi Tinubu nor her media office issued a statement in response to the dramatic protest.

Governor Sim Fubara Secures Court Victory Over Wike, Tinubu 's State of Emergency as Federal High Court Orders Sole Administrator to Vacate River Government House

A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt Tuesday ruled in favor of Rivers State Governor

Siminalayi Fubara of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and against the sole administrator imposed by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led APC federal government.

The court ordered the immediate removal of the Sole Administrator appointed by the President from the River State Government House.

In it's decision, the court gives the Tinubu-backed appointee 48 hours to vacate the premises, reaffirming Governor Fubara’s constitutional mandate as the duly elected leader of Rivers State.

The ruling, follows months of escalating political tensions between Governor Fubara and his estranged political godfather, former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. 

The political crisis intensified after the controversial appointment of a Sole Administrator by President Tinubu, which many legal experts and political observers deemed unconstitutional and a breach of democratic norms.

Justice Boma Diepriye, who presided over the case, ruled that the appointment of a Sole Administrator to oversee the affairs of a state with a sitting, democratically elected governor is “illegal, null, and void.”  Emphasizing that the Nigerian Constitution provides no room for such an appointment in a federating unit where a governor has neither been impeached nor incapacitated.

In his reaction to the judgment, Governor Fubara hailed the ruling as a “victory for democracy and the rule of law.” 

Speaking to a jubilant crowd of supporters outside the courthouse, he said, “The will of the people has once again triumphed over political manipulation and executive overreach. I remain committed to serving the good people of Rivers State without fear or favor.”

Meanwhile, legal representatives of the federal government are expected to file an appeal in the coming days, signaling that the political standoff may not be over yet.

Political analysts are calling the judgment a significant blow to the influence of Nyesom Wike, who has been accused by critics of using federal might to undermine his successor.

This decision not only reaffirms Sim Fubara's legitimacy but also sets a precedent in curbing excessive interference by the federal government in state matters.

As Rivers State awaits the departure of the embattled Sole Administrator, attention now turns to how this ruling will reshape the power dynamics in both the state and national political arenas.

State of Emergency in Rivers State: Do not participate, support any action, decision, or vote that compromises integrity of our democracy, Peter Obi tells LP Legislators

The Labour Party Presidential flag bearer in the 2023 general elections Mr Peter Obi has called on the members of the national assembly who are of the Labour Party not participate in or support any action, decision, or vote that compromises the integrity of our democracy, undermines the interests of the people of Rivers State, or contradicts our core values of fairness, equity, and transparency.

It should be recalled that President Bola Hamed Tinubu yesterday declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspended the elected governor of the state Sim Fabura, his deputy and all the members of the state assembly of Rivers State.

The political crises in Rivers State was fueled by the Tinubu led APC presidency.

Meanwhile, despite the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State, absolute two third majority of the legislative members in both the Senate and house of representatives are still required by the constitution to enable it passed. Obi has therefore asked members of the national who won their seats on the platform of the Labour Party to refrain from voting in favour or support the state of emergency declared by president Bola Tinubu.

Peter Obi via his verified social media handles wrote:

My dear brothers and sisters,

Members of the Labour Party in the National Assembly,

Since your inauguration as Distinguished, and Honorable members of the National Assembly, I have refrained from interfering in your legislative affairs out of respect for your independence and to allow you to focus on alleviating the suffering of the Nigerian people.

However, at this critical juncture — following 26 years of a deteriorating democratic process marked by disregard for educational qualifications for electoral positions, massive rigging, and now the unconstitutional removal of elected officeholders — I find it necessary to address you. These unconstitutional actions have far-reaching negative implications for our democracy and the will of the people.

I urge you to stand as true defenders of justice. Do not participate in or support any action, decision, or vote that compromises the integrity of our democracy, undermines the interests of the people of Rivers State, or contradicts our core values of fairness, equity, and transparency.

We must not allow ourselves to become instruments of injustice or contribute to the betrayal of the people's mandate. At this moment, we must prioritize what is right over what is wrong or convenient, remaining steadfast in defending the well-being of the people of Rivers State.

Together, let us stand firm in our resolve — because a new Nigeria is possible!

- PO

PRESS RELEASE: SPEECH FROM FUBARA AFTER THE DECLARATION

 

My dear Rivers People,

I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history. 

Since assuming office as your Governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.

We prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State. 

Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.

This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition. 

Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court's judgement immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy. 

These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State.

Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.

Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people. 

Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.

At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.

We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.

God bless Rivers State. 

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS