From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Hundreds of women under the aegis of Rivers Women Unite Prayer Group staged another protest in Port Harcourt yesterday, demanding an end to what they described as an “unconstitutional and unjust” emergency rule in Rivers State.
The demonstrators, backing suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, reiterated their opposition to the state of emergency and the appointment of a sole administrator, describing both as political overreach.
In a joint statement by Dr. Nancy Chidi Nwankwo and Dr. Vivian Ige-Elenwo on behalf of the group, the women accused the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), of pursuing a politically motivated agenda under the guise of emergency governance.
“More than 10,000 police personnel and countless military operatives have been deployed in Rivers State, not for security, but to intimidate the people under the cover of emergency rule. We, the women of Rivers State, reject any attempt to stifle our voices or suppress legitimate dissent. We condemn the dictatorial actions of Ibas and the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju,” the statement read.
Recalling a protest held on April 11, the group alleged that security operatives used tear gas and intimidation to disperse peaceful demonstrators. They described the response as a gross violation of their democratic rights.
The women appealed to the public, civil society organisations and the National Assembly to intensify efforts against the emergency declaration and work toward its immediate withdrawal. They also questioned the rationale behind the declaration of emergency in Rivers, noting that similar measures have not been implemented in states plagued by terrorism and insurgency.
“In parts of Nigeria where terrorists are massacring civilians and communities are under siege, the Federal Government has not declared a state of emergency, suspended governors or deployed troops at this scale,” they said.
The group called for the immediate removal of CP Adepoju, a total reversal of the emergency rule and the reinstatement of Governor Fubara. They further demanded the redeployment of military personnel to conflict-ridden regions where security efforts are urgently required.
“Our nation is dangerously close to becoming a banana republic. We must halt this descent into political tyranny and systemic impunity,” they warned.
The statement concluded with an appeal to the international community to intervene diplomatically and pressure the Nigerian government to restore democratic governance and uphold the rights and dignity of Rivers people.
“Our people deserve peace, justice and the freedom to thrive in a truly democratic society,” the protesters declared.