‘Work for Rivers people or resign,’ protesters tell Fubara

Protesters in Nigeria's Rivers State have issued a stark ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara: deliver governance for the people or step down. A group identifying as the Take-It-Back Movement staged a demonstration in Port Harcourt, voicing deep frustration over the state's economic struggles, pervasive insecurity, and a protracted political crisis.

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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 demonstrators, who aligned their protest with the nation's Democracy Day on June 12, expressed disappointment with the governor's performance. One protester directly addressed Fubara, stating, "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." The activist emphasized that despite Fubara's claims of no longer being interested in a 2027 re-election bid, the current reality in Rivers State is dire.

"Oga, you have one year to work for the Rivers people. Nothing is happening in this state. We are worse than Abia State," the protester declared, highlighting the perceived betrayal of public trust. The demonstrators recalled the widespread support Fubara received during the state's political turmoil, accusing him of prioritizing personal interests over the welfare of the people. They urged him to reciprocate the love and solidarity shown by Rivers people by working diligently in his remaining year, or to resign.

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Oga, you have one year to work for the Rivers people. Nothing is happening in this state. We are worse than Abia State.

The protest also saw anti-government chants directed at national figures, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The Take-It-Back Movement insisted their protest was ideological, not partisan, aiming to address systemic issues of insecurity, hunger, and injustice. "We must make it clear that the issues are not personal but ideological, and neither are we supporting any factions," a statement read, distancing the movement from supporting any specific political figure or faction.

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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 protesters vowed not to be intimidated, with one stating, "If you like, arrest or kill us, we don’t mind because we know everybody will die one day." Their actions underscore a growing public discontent with governance and the prevailing socio-economic conditions in Nigeria.

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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.