As Nigeria gears up to celebrate Democracy Day on May 29, the Rivers Women Prayer Group has raised strong objections to the ongoing state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a major setback to development and a betrayal of democratic values.
In a statement delivered by Niger Delta activist Ann-Kio Briggs during a prayer rally in Port Harcourt, and jointly signed by Dr. Vivian Ige-Elenwo and Chikodi Okpara, the women condemned the imposition of a sole administrator on the state, insisting it has led to a massive administrative breakdown and halted progress.
The women said: “Our state is bleeding under the emergency rule. The pain we are undergoing due to the level of administrative lacuna in our state is real.”
They warned that while other states prepare to mark Democracy Day and take stock of governance achievements, Rivers State remains in crisis, unable to function effectively under what they termed a “burden of emergency.”
The group criticised the current setup for stalling resource deployment and stifling meaningful development, especially affecting women and children who are the most vulnerable.
Reiterating their call for the reinstatement of the elected governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the women urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate steps to lift the emergency rule and restore democratic governance in the state.
“We are waiting patiently for Mr. President, the father of the nation, to act by terminating this emergency rule,” they stated.
They also called on the National Assembly to play an active role in brokering peace by engaging all relevant stakeholders in the political crisis rocking Rivers State.
“We Rivers women support peace and reconciliation. We urge the National Assembly oversight committees to act now and help restore normalcy,” the group added.
Appreciating Nigerians and the international community for their solidarity, the women pledged to continue their advocacy for the restoration of democratic institutions and the protection of the state’s collective patrimony.
