A group of protesters marked June 12 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, calling on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to either focus on serving the Rivers people or resign from his position.
The protesters, part of the Take-It-Back Movement linked to activist Omoyele Sowore, held their demonstration near the Rivers State Government House. They chanted against the government and voiced their anger over economic struggles, insecurity, and the ongoing political crisis in the state.
The group's website mentions that the Take-It-Back Movement declared Democracy Day, June 12, as a Nationwide Protest Against Insecurity and Economic Hardship.
In a video from the protest, a demonstrator known as "Certified Courtist" addressed Governor Fubara directly.
"My personal address is to the Rivers State Government and Governor Fubara. You people should help us pass our message to Governor Fubara, telling him that those of us who stood against oppression in this state are disappointed in him and that we expected more from him as governor, even though he said he’s no longer interested in 2027."
‘Nothing is happening in Rivers’
The protester accused Fubara of not meeting the public's expectations even after receiving strong support during a political crisis in the state.
"Oga, you have one year to work for the Rivers people. Nothing is happening in this state. We are worse than Abia State.
"Rivers people have shown you love and solidarity over the years. During the crisis, they stood by you, but you betrayed them and protected your personal interests. Rivers people are tired of that.
"They are saying you have one year to stay, and in that one year, work for them. Reciprocate the love you’ve received from Rivers people. If you’re no longer interested in working for Rivers people in this one year, please resign and go."
The crowd echoed chants of "President Bola Tinubu must go" after these remarks.
The demonstrator continued, "We are interested in a better Rivers State. (Nyesom) Wike cannot capture all of us. Everybody can’t be conquered. As you can see, some of us cannot be conquered. If you like, arrest or kill us, we don’t mind because we know everybody will die one day."
Anti-Tinubu, Anti-Wike Chants
In another video, protesters were heard shouting "revolution" while calling for the removal of President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and the ruling APC.
They also chanted, "Insecurity, hunger, injustice must go."
Identifying themselves as members of the Take It Back Movement, they emphasized their protest was about ideas, not political parties.
"We must make it clear that the issues are not personal but ideological, and neither are we supporting any factions. Neither Governor Fubara nor Mr Wike nor Mr Tinubu nor Governor Seyi Makinde."
The protesters blamed rising insecurity, economic hardship, and poor public services for their demonstration.
"We want to make it clear that the reason we are here is to say that the level of insecurity in this country is too much. The level of hardship is unbearable. Children can’t go to school. Our hospitals are not working. They promised us electricity but cannot fulfill. Instead of providing electricity, the president installs solar in his residence. This is the reason we say President Tinubu must go."
They also claimed that political issues in Rivers have damaged the progress made by Governor Fubara.
"We cannot continue to pretend that all is well. And particularly in Rivers State, the state has become Wike state. Only he decides what happens in Rivers, and it is so pathetic that Governor Fubara has allowed Mr Wike to do anything.
"President Tinubu now decides what happens in Rivers State. Even the little progress Governor Fubara made is gone because of unnecessary politicking."
The protesters also sang, "Freedom comes by struggle."
Background
This protest comes as many Nigerians are worried about economic challenges and insecurity. Reports show growing concerns over poverty, inflation, and safety, with civil society groups warning that the country faces serious economic and governance issues.
In Rivers, this protest also shows the ongoing frustration over the conflict between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Mr Wike. This feud over political control has led to multiple interventions by President Tinubu, a constitutional crisis, and even emergency rule in Rivers.
The Take It Back Movement, led by Mr Sowore, has consistently positioned itself against both the ruling party and mainstream opposition, arguing that Nigeria's problems come from deep-rooted governance failures rather than individual political groups.
Mr Fubara’s spokesperson, Onwuka Nzeshi, did not respond to calls or messages seeking comments.
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