Port Harcourt, Nigeria – A group of women in Rivers State staged a peaceful protest on Friday, strongly opposing the recent declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
Led by activist Nancy Chidi Nwankwo, the protesters described the declaration as politically motivated and warned that it poses a serious threat to democratic governance. They insisted that the security situation in Rivers does not justify such drastic measures.
“There is no justification for suspending democratic institutions under the guise of an emergency,” Nwankwo said. “This is an assault on democracy, and we will not remain silent.”
The women demanded the immediate restoration of democratic structures, including the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and other elected officials who were suspended amid the political crisis.
Observers have linked the unrest to a deepening power struggle involving former Governor Nyesom Wike. Reports suggest that court proceedings have been fast-tracked to favor Wike’s allies, while the core issue of political defections—believed to be central to the crisis—has been largely sidelined.
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The protesters also appealed to respected national figures, including former presidents and diplomats, to intervene and call on President Bola Tinubu to reverse what they described as a grave injustice. While reaffirming their commitment to peaceful resistance, the women pledged to continue advocating for justice, freedom, and the protection of democratic values. Their rallying cry: “Bring Back Our Fubara.”
