STATEMENT BY RIVERS WOMEN ON THE DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE
Delivered During the Liberation Walk and Call for the Restoration of Democratic Leadership
We, the women of Rivers State, united under the principles of justice, equity, and democracy, unequivocally reject the recent declaration of a state of emergency in our beloved state. This action, lacking in constitutional justification, appears to be a politically motivated attempt to suppress our people and dismantle democratic governance.
The conduct of the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has exceeded the bounds of a transitional or caretaker role. His unilateral actions reflect a troubling overreach and expose the true intent behind the emergency rule—a calculated move to consolidate power under the pretense of national security.
It is deeply troubling that while states such as Borno, Yobe, Zamfara, Kaduna, Plateau, and Benue continue to suffer relentless terrorist violence—with entire communities displaced and thousands killed—no such emergency has been declared. Yet, Rivers State, a relatively peaceful and stable region, has been singled out for drastic intervention without credible cause.
If the goal of the National Assembly was to prevent a breakdown of law and order, then logic demands similar or greater measures in states experiencing actual, widespread violence. The selective application of emergency rule in Rivers State reveals a dangerous double standard.
We denounce this imposition for what it truly is: an undemocratic occupation. It is not governance—it is the subversion of our democratic rights.
As women and as citizens, we raise our voices in unity against this injustice. Rivers State cannot and will not be governed by force or fear. We demand the restoration of democratic leadership and respect for the will of the people.
Accordingly, we issue the following demands:
- To President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: We appeal to you, as mothers and wives, to restore all democratic institutions in Rivers State and immediately reinstate our duly elected governor, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS.
- To the Federal Government: End this unconstitutional and unjustified emergency rule. It is an affront to democracy and the rule of law.
- To Respected National Leaders and Statesmen: We call on General Abdulsalami Abubakar, General Ibrahim Babangida, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, General Muhammadu Buhari, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, and other respected leaders—Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Dr. Emeka Anyaoku, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, Prof. Tanko Yakassai, Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, Chief Victor Attah, and Senator David Mark—to intervene and prevail upon President Tinubu to reverse this political overreach.
- To the People of Rivers State: We, the women and youth, will not remain silent. We will continue our peaceful resistance against repression and demand our right to freedom, justice, and representation.
- To Civil Society and the International Community: We urge you to speak out against this brazen assault on democracy. There is no credible security threat in Rivers State. The justification given is a fabrication meant to legitimize a political takeover.
Rivers State is the heartbeat of the Niger Delta—a region critical to Nigeria’s stability and prosperity. We will not be silenced, and we will not surrender our voice. Democracy must be restored, and the will of the people respected.
Signed:
Dr. Nancy Chidi Nwankwo
Tamunobelema D. West
Cynthia Amadi
On behalf of Rivers Women Unite
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