Over 100 women under the umbrella of Rivers Women Unite Prayer Group have taken to the streets again, reiterating their demand for the immediate termination of the emergency rule imposed on Rivers State.
The women, clad in red attire and brandishing placards with bold inscriptions, cited the unconstitutionality and unjust nature of the emergency rule.
Led by their collective voice, the women condemned the actions of the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral(rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, accusing him of deepening divisions among political stakeholders rather than fostering reconciliation.
The group in a protest letter issued to newsmen and jointly signed by Dr. Nancy Chidi Nwankwo and Dr. Vivian Ige-Elenwo, alleged that Ibas has dismantled democratic institutions and implemented policies aimed at achieving political domination, “serving the interests of those who appointed him.”
They also rejected any attempts to stifle the voices of the people or frustrate legitimate dissent, condemning the dictatorial tendencies of both Ibas and the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju.
Nwamkwo said, “The continuous actions of the imposed Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), have exposed the ulterior and politically motivated intentions behind this so-called emergency rule.
“Nearly one month after assuming control, rather than fostering reconciliation among the political stakeholders, Vice Admiral Ibas has deepened the divide. His actions of dismantling democratic institutions and orchestrating policies aimed at achieving political domination serve only the interests of those who appointed him.”
Also, the women recalled a peaceful protest on April 11, 2025, where the police responded with force, deploying tear gas and intimidation. In contrast, a counter-protest allegedly sponsored on April 14, 2025, was protected by the police, while genuine protesters were brutalised. This selective protection has been labelled a grave injustice.
They further stated that the emergency rule has taken a toll on the state’s economy, with businesses shutting down and planned investments being relocated.
The women urge all Nigerians of conscience, civil society groups, and the National Assembly to speak out against this impunity and act to reverse the decision.
They added: “We are calling for the immediate removal of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, and an urgent and total end to the illegal state of emergency imposed on Rivers State.
“We want the full restoration of all democratic institutions, including the reinstatement of the duly elected Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, as well as the redeployment of military personnel to regions where they are truly needed, where citizens are being slaughtered and communities are being ravaged by terrorists.
“Our beloved nation is teetering dangerously toward becoming a banana republic. This descent must be halted, and Nigeria must be rescued from political tyranny and systemic impunity.
“Finally, we call on the international community to take a firm stand, to intervene diplomatically, and to prevail on the Nigerian government to restore democracy and protect the rights and dignity of the people of Rivers State.”
