A group of protesters in Port Harcourt on Friday gave Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara a blunt ultimatum: work for the people of Rivers or resign.
The demonstrators, members of the Take-It-Back Movement led by activist Omoyele Sowore, gathered near the Government House chanting anti-government slogans. They used Nigeria's Democracy Day — 12 June — to stage a nationwide protest against insecurity and economic hardship, according to the group's website.
In a video from the protest, one demonstrator, whose profile name reads “Certified Courtist,” directly addressed Fubara.
“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.”
The protester accused Fubara of failing to meet public expectations despite the widespread support he received during the political crisis that has rocked 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,” the demonstrator said.
“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.”
The protester added: “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 remarks were followed by chants of “President Bola Tinubu must go” from other protesters.
Another demonstrator said: “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.”
The protesters also chanted “revolution” while demanding the exit of Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and the ruling APC. They chanted: “Insecurity, hunger, injustice must go.”
Identifying themselves as members of the Take It Back Movement, they insisted their protest was ideological, not partisan.
“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,” one protester said.
The protesters blamed worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and poor public services for their action.
“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 fulfil. Instead of providing electricity, the president installs solar in his residence. This is the reason we say President Tinubu must go,” the demonstrator added.
They further alleged that political developments in Rivers had eroded gains previously made by the governor.
“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,” the protester said.
“President Tinubu now decides what happens in Rivers State. Even the little progress Governor Fubara made is gone because of unnecessary politicking.”
The protesters were also heard singing, “Freedom comes by struggle.”
The demonstration comes amid continuing public concerns over economic hardship and insecurity across Nigeria. Reports by PREMIUM TIMES have highlighted growing anxiety over rising poverty, inflation, and insecurity. Civil society groups have warned that the country faces deepening economic and governance challenges.
In Rivers, the protest also reflects lingering frustrations over the prolonged feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike. The dispute, rooted in a struggle for control of political structures in the state, has triggered repeated interventions by Tinubu, led to a constitutional crisis, and at one point resulted in emergency rule in the oil-rich state.
The Take It Back Movement, led by Sowore, has consistently positioned itself as an opposition platform against both the ruling establishment and mainstream opposition parties.