Thousands of women protested in Rivers State on Friday against the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. They are demanding the immediate reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy Professor Ngozi Odu, and the State Assembly members.
According to Itode Akari on April 11, 2025, the women gathered under the Justice and Democracy group. They argue that the emergency rule is politically motivated and an attack on the state’s democracy.
Dr. Mrs. Nancy Chidi Nwankwo, a protest leader, criticized the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas. She said his actions were a “calculated power grab” under the guise of national interest.
The protesters questioned why President Tinubu imposed an emergency in Rivers while ignoring security crises in other states. They pointed out that states like Borno, Yobe, and Kaduna face severe terrorist threats, yet haven’t seen similar actions.
“[The Sole Administrator’s actions] betray the impartiality expected of his office,” Nwankwo said. This highlighted the women’s frustration with the federal government’s inconsistent approach.
The group called for the restoration of democratic governance in Rivers State. They also demanded an end to what they consider unconstitutional military rule.
In their protest letter, the women appealed to respected Nigerians, including former presidents and diplomats. They hope figures like General Abdulsalami Abubakar and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo will push for the reversal of this decision.
The women vowed to continue their peaceful resistance, seeking justice and self-determination. They also called on civil society groups, human rights organizations, and the international community to support their cause.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
