Women from the 23 local government areas of Rivers State on Thursday marched through the streets of Port Harcourt, the state capital, to declare support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The stakeholders, under the auspices of Rivers Women Unite for Sim, began the walk from the popular CFC junction along Aba Road to the Polo Club in GRA, dancing to various musical tunes, including Afrobeats.
The women who wore white T-shirts, red and blue caps also displayed placards with different inscriptions to drive home their messages.
Some of the inscriptions read, “Allow Governor Sim work in Peace,” “O God give us peace in Rivers, give peace a chance,” “Peace is priceless,” “Rivers mothers stand for peace” among others, even as some of the women much older rolled on the ground with their placards crying for peace to reign in the state.
Comedian, Julius Agwu, a Nollywood actress, and the State Chairperson of the Labour Party, Hilda Dokubo, were among the personalities that joined the peace walk.
Also, the National Council of Women Society, Rivers State Chapter, Market Women, National Association of Women Journalist, Ijaw Women Connect, Non-Indigens Without Borders, Rivers Professionals, Arewa Women and Rivers Equity Club among others took part in the walk which lasted for hours.
While they observed a minute of silence for the late Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Dr Herbert Wigwe, his wife and son, the women said the peace walk was to register their voices in the current political situation in the state.
They demanded genuine peace and called for respect for the office of the state governor as enshrined in the Constitution.
The Media Officer of Rivers Women Unite for Sim, Glory Sunday, who read a nine-point resolution, said the women remained committed to the love and pursuit of peace for the overall growth and development of Rivers.
Sunday said the women had resolved to support Fubara in his efforts to protect Rivers and realise the dreams and aspirations of the people.
She stated, “As mothers we warn those who intend to push their political dreams and aspirations violently to desist from such thoughts henceforth.
“Those undermining the office of the governor, we, the Rivers women, unequivocally condemn this menace and advise those unscrupulous politicians to desist from such acts.”
She expressed sadness that the show of hatred and bad blood in some quarters of the state recently had robbed the dignity of the Rivers people and the glory of the state and she urged the people to keep joining efforts to build a credible state.
She called on all residents of the state and all true lovers of Rivers to pray and speak out to condemn all threats, forms of lawlessness and subtle invitations to anarchy in the state.
They resolved, “We believe in peace and we salute our amiable, courageous and God-sent Governor Fubara for choosing peace over chaos, which is the ultimate act of strength. We also commend his peaceful disposition and people-oriented style of governance.
“We will continue to sensitise and mobilise our people until genuine peace is restored. Our goal is to appeal to the hearts and consciences of Rivers people to give peace a chance for peace is not a destination but a way of life.”
While insisting on peace in the state, the women insisted that nothing would stop Governor Fubara from completing his tenure and seeking re-election in 2007.
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