Rivers Women Speak Out: “End the Emergency Rule, Restore Democracy in Rivers State”

In a powerful show of unity and courage, the women of Rivers State have taken to the streets in what they describe as a Liberation Walk, voicing their rejection of the state of emergency imposed on the state. Speaking under the banner of justice and democracy, the women issued a bold statement denouncing what they called a politically motivated move designed to suppress the will of the people and undermine democratic institutions.

“This is not governance—it is occupation. Not democracy, but autocracy,” the statement reads.

Led by notable voices like Dr. Nancy Chidi Nwankwo, Tamunobelema D. West, and Cynthia Amadi, the women argue that the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State is unjustified, especially when compared to other parts of the country battling real and ongoing security crises.

“In states like Borno, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Benue, terrorists have seized local governments and killed thousands, yet no emergency rule has been declared. So why Rivers State?” they ask.

At the center of their concern is Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), appointed as Sole Administrator of the state. According to the women, his actions have far exceeded the bounds of neutrality expected from a placeholder, turning what should have been a stabilizing appointment into an overreach of power. They view his conduct as part of a broader political agenda aimed at removing Governor Siminalayi Fubara and silencing the democratic voice of Rivers people.

Their Demands Are Clear:

1. *Immediate reinstatement of democratic governance in Rivers State, including the return of the duly elected Governor, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara.

2. An end to what they describe as an unconstitutional military rule, disguised as a state of emergency.

3. Urgent intervention from elder statesmen and respected leaders, including former presidents and senior diplomats, to call President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to restore justice.

4. Mobilization of women and youths across the state for continued peaceful resistance until their voices are heard and their rights restored.

5. A call to civil society, human rights organizations, and the international community to condemn this political suppression and stand in defense of Nigerian democracy.

The women emphasize that Rivers State, a peaceful region and economic heartbeat of the Niger Delta, should not be reduced to a pawn in a larger political chess game. Their message is firm: “We will not be silenced. We will not be subdued. Rivers people deserve democracy—not dictatorship.”

As the protest movement gains momentum, their voices are echoing beyond the streets of Port Harcourt, calling on the nation and the world to take notice.

Signed:
Dr. Nancy Chidi Nwankwo
Tamunobelema D. West
Cynthia Amadi
~ On behalf of Rivers Women Unite Group