April 11, (THEWILL) – Tension is mounting in Rivers State as hundreds of women took to the streets of Port Harcourt in a mass protest demanding the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, 25 days after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state.
Clad in black attire and wielding placards, the women marched to the Government House chanting solidarity songs and condemning what they described as a political hijack of the state’s democratic institutions.
The protest, tagged a “Liberation Walk,” was aimed at rallying public support against the continued enforcement of emergency rule in the oil-rich state.
Accusing the Federal Government of using the emergency declaration to serve a political agenda, the protesters insisted the decision was not driven by any credible threat to national security.
“This imposition is not born of any genuine concern for peace or safety—it is clearly a politically motivated manoeuvre aimed at subjugating our people and undermining our constitutional democracy,” a protester declared.
They questioned the rationale behind the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State—widely regarded as relatively peaceful—while states battling severe insecurity like Borno, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Plateau have not experienced similar federal intervention.
The demonstrators also accused the appointed Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, of running the state in an autocratic manner.
“What we are witnessing is not governance—it is occupation. Not democracy, but autocracy. Rivers State is the heart of the Niger Delta. Peace has prevailed in our communities. We will not allow anyone to steal our voices or subvert our will. Democracy must be restored,” they said.
Their demands included the immediate reinstatement of Governor Fubara and all democratic institutions in the state, the termination of the emergency rule, and urgent intervention by respected Nigerian leaders and international diplomats.
They also called on civil society organisations and the global community to stand in solidarity with Rivers people in defence of democracy.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
