June 12 Protesters Ask Fubara To Perform Or Resign

A group of June 12 protesters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to focus on governance or resign from office.

Naija News reports that the protesters, who identified themselves as members of the Take-It-Back Movement associated with activist Omoyele Sowore, staged the demonstration near the Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt.

They chanted anti-government slogans and expressed frustration over economic hardship, insecurity and the prolonged political crisis in the state.

The Take-It-Back Movement had declared June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day, a nationwide protest against insecurity and economic hardship.

In a video from the Port Harcourt protest, one of the demonstrators, whose profile name read “Certified Courtist,” addressed 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,” the protester said.

‘Nothing Is Happening In Rivers’

The protester accused Fubara of failing to meet public expectations despite the support he received during the political crisis in the state.

He said, “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 protesters later chanted, “President Bola Tinubu must go.”

‘Wike Cannot Capture All Of Us’

The demonstrator said the protesters were interested in a better Rivers State and would not be intimidated.

“We are interested in a better Rivers State. 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,” he added.

In another video, the protesters were heard chanting “revolution” while demanding the exit of President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the ruling All Progressives Congress.

They also chanted, “Insecurity, hunger, injustice must go.”

The protesters insisted that their action was ideological and not driven by support for any political faction.

“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,” they said.

They blamed worsening insecurity, economic hardship and poor public services for the protest.

“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 protesters said.

Protesters Fault Rivers Politics

The protesters also alleged that political developments in Rivers State had eroded gains previously made by Fubara.

They said, “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 were also heard singing, “Freedom comes by struggle.”