Women in Rivers State protested against the declared state of emergency, demanding the reinstatement of Governor Fubara. Led by Nancy Chidi Nwankwo, they condemned the emergency rule as politically motivated and unconstitutional. Protestors call for intervention from Nigerian leaders and reaffirm their commitment to peaceful resistance for democratic rights.
Women across Rivers State gathered on Friday to protest against the state of emergency declared by the Nigerian government. The women, led by activist Nancy Chidi Nwankwo, voiced their opposition to the emergency rule, which they claim is politically motivated and an unjustified attempt to undermine the state’s democratic institutions.
The protesters gathered in the heart of Port Harcourt, condemning the emergency rule as a thinly veiled effort to suppress democracy and impose military-style governance. They argued that the current situation in Rivers State did not warrant such drastic measures, stressing that there was no immediate national security threat to justify the suspension of democratic processes.
Central to the women’s demands was the immediate restoration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who they believe was unfairly removed from office. The group of protesters called for the reinstatement of all democratic institutions, including the return of the duly elected governor.
“The imposition of this emergency rule is unconstitutional,” said Nwankwo, one of the key leaders of the protest. “This is not about national security—it is about political control. We will not stand by while our democracy is undermined.”
The protesters also called for the intervention of high-profile Nigerian figures, including former presidents and respected diplomats, to urge President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the state of emergency. They described the move as a “grave injustice” and pleaded for a reversal to ensure that democracy in Rivers State was upheld.
In their rallying cry, the women appealed to both local and international stakeholders to take action. They called on civil society organizations, international bodies, and influential Nigerians to support their cause and apply pressure on the government to reinstate Governor Fubara and restore full democratic governance in the state.
The protestors have vowed to continue their peaceful demonstrations until their demands are met. “We will persist in defending our rights,” Nwankwo declared. “We stand for freedom, justice, and the self-determination of our people.”
While the protest remained largely peaceful, political analysts have warned that the ongoing crisis in Rivers State is emblematic of broader concerns over democratic backsliding in Nigeria. The declaration of emergency rule, while framed as a measure to restore order, has sparked fears about the erosion of democratic checks and balances.
“The situation in Rivers has raised alarms,” said political analyst Amina Bello. “While the government claims it is acting in the interest of national security, the public perception is that this is a politically charged move, one that could have lasting repercussions for the rule of law and democracy in the country.”
