Women under the aegis of the Rivers Women Prayer Group have called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently lift the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State, describing it as a major setback to development and good governance.
The women made their position known during a press briefing following a prayer session held on Friday, May 9, in Port Harcourt. The statement, signed by Dr. Vivian Ige-Elenwo, Chikodi Okpara, and read by prominent Niger Delta activist, Ms. Ann-Kio Briggs, decried the ongoing administrative vacuum caused by what they described as an “obnoxious emergency rule.”
They expressed concern over the absence of a democratically functioning government, warning that the state could be left out of national reflections on progress and democracy by May 29, when the Fubara-led administration is expected to mark its second year in office.
“Our state is bleeding under the emergency rule. It has hindered the deployment of resources for meaningful development,” the group lamented, noting that women and children are bearing the brunt of the situation.
The women further accused the “Sole Administrator” currently overseeing the state of perpetuating a “humongous infraction” on the state’s collective patrimony.
While expressing continued support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, they reiterated their call for the restoration of democratic institutions and appealed to the National Assembly to intervene through constructive engagement with relevant stakeholders.
They also extended gratitude to Nigerians and members of the international community who have supported their cause.
“With your support, we are energized to continue advocating for the reinstatement of our beloved governor and the return of democratic governance in Rivers State,” the group further noted.
