Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended Governor of Rivers State, has strongly criticized the Nigeria Police for their alleged harsh treatment of protesters in Ahoada East. He described the actions of the police as unfair and a threat to democracy. Fubara’s comments came after the political situation in the state worsened following the declaration of a state of emergency.

President Bola Tinubu declared the emergency rule and appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s sole administrator. This move has sparked political tensions, and on Monday, two protests were held in Rivers State. In Port Harcourt, people gathered in support of the emergency rule, while in Ahoada East, others called for Fubara’s return as governor.

The protest in Port Harcourt was peaceful, with participants holding placards that read, “Emergency rule is constitutional” and “Investigate Fubara’s bloated contracts.” Former Social Welfare Commissioner, Mrs. Inime Aguma, led the rally, thanking the President for declaring the emergency rule and praising the new administrator for restoring order.

However, in Ahoada East, the situation was very different. Protesters there were met with teargas and force from security officials, which Fubara condemned. His aide, Omatsogunwa, called out the supporters of the emergency rule, accusing them of supporting illegal actions and criticizing the administrator’s political ambitions.

The crisis in Rivers State deepened after Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly were suspended by President Tinubu due to months of political instability. The emergency declaration has been backed by the National Assembly but is currently being challenged in court by 11 PDP governors, who are seeking to have it overturned.

The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, is preparing a legal response on behalf of the Presidency in the ongoing case.