Amid rising political tensions in Rivers State, women from across the region have taken to the streets to voice strong opposition to any declaration of a state of emergency. The protesters, who gathered in Port Harcourt, insisted that there is no war, no breakdown of law and order—only a calculated political plot that must not be allowed to undermine democratic institutions or human rights.
Chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards, the women warned against what they described as “a dangerous political game” being played at the expense of peace and stability in the state. Many expressed outrage at the suggestion that Rivers is in crisis, questioning why similar actions have not been taken in other states grappling with even more severe security challenges.
“There’s no war here. No crisis. What we’re seeing is political persecution, and we will not be silent,” said one protester. “Look at the killings in other parts of the country—has anyone declared a state of emergency there?”
Another protest happened on Monday in response to the earlier protest, the protest had a separate group of women reportedly supporting the imposition of emergency rule. However, the demonstrators of the earlier protest dismissed the rival protest as “stage-managed” and “sponsored by political actors seeking to distort the will of Rivers people.”
One speaker drew a biblical analogy to underline the moral divide at the heart of the political standoff, comparing the situation to two women disputing over a child—one willing to see it destroyed, the other pleading for its survival. “The real mothers of Rivers State are here,” she declared. “We want peace, not division.”
Calls were also made for the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, whom they described as the legitimate leader of the state. They demanded the removal of the current sole administrator and condemned what they see as a deliberate attempt to erode democratic governance.
“Our voices matter. Democracy matters. We are the voters, the mothers, the builders of this land—and we refuse to be silenced,” said another protester.
As tensions persist, observers warn that how the federal government responds could set a precedent for political conflict resolution across the country.
