Protesters under the aegis of the ‘Rivers Women Unite Prayer Group’ have taken to the streets again against the emergency rule in the state.

The women on Wednesday described the state of emergency declared in the state by President Bola Tinubu and the appointment of a Sole Administrator to oversee the affairs of the state as illegal.

The women from the 23 local government areas of the state also called for the removal of the state’
Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, over the alleged harassment of protesters by his men.

The protesters displayed placards with several inscriptions such as ‘”Ibas your policies are one sided”, “We are gagged in our LGAs” noted, ‘Rivers CP must’ve, among others.

A statement signed by Dr. Nancy Chidi Nwankwo and Dr. Vivian Ige-Elenwo on behalf of the protesters was read to newsmen at the scene of the protest on behalf of the group in Port Harcourt.

Expressing their displeasure, the women said, “Once again, and for the umpteenth time, we, the women of Rivers State under the umbrella of the Rivers Women Unite Prayer Group, strongly reiterate our unwavering demand for the immediate termination of the unconstitutional and unjust emergency rule currently imposed on our dear state.

“We firmly reject every attempt to stifle the voices of our people or frustrate legitimate dissent. We condemn in strong terms the dictatorial tendencies of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas and the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju.

“On Friday, April 11, 2025, we held a peaceful protest against the injustice meted out to our state. Shockingly, the police responded with force, deploying tear gas and brute intimidation in a bid to silence our democratic right to peaceful assembly.

“Yet, on Monday, April 14, 2025, the same Vice Admiral Ibas reportedly sponsored a counter-protest, hiring thugs to masquerade as Rivers women in support of the illegal state of emergency, an act that was shamefully protected by the same Police Commissioner who had earlier brutalized real Rivers women for peacefully speaking out.”

The women added, “This selective protection of sycophants while repressing genuine voices of concern is a grave injustice. We therefore demand the following, without equivocation:

“The immediate removal of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju. An urgent and total end to the illegal state of emergency imposed on Rivers State.

“The full restoration of all democratic institutions, including the reinstatement of the duly elected Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara. The redeployment of military personnel to regions where they are truly needed, where citizens are being slaughtered and communities are being ravaged by terrorists.”

Decrying the economic impact of the State of Emergency, the women called on Nigerians to join in the call to end the emergency rule in the state.

He stated, “The economic impact of this ill-conceived emergency rule is already evident. Businesses are shutting down, planned investments are being relocated, and the state’s economy is in freefall.

“As always, it is our women and children who bear the brunt of this upheaval and economic hardship.

“We call on all Nigerians of conscience, civil society groups, and particularly the National Assembly, to continue to speak out against this impunity and urgently act to reverse this deeply unpopular decision.”


https://punchng.com/again-protesting-rivers-women-blast-ibas-demand-cps-removal/