Women Rally in Support of Emergency Rule in Port Harcourt

Hundreds of women in Rivers State took to the streets of Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Monday to stage a rally in support of the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

The rally, which was the first of its kind, saw women from all walks of life gather to express their solidarity with the federal government’s decision to declare a state of emergency in the state.

The declaration, which was made by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly. The move also saw the appointment of former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), as the sole administrator of the state.

The women, who were all dressed in white attire, carried placards with messages such as “State of Emergency Is Constitutional”, “No Tribal War in Rivers State, No More Fubara”, and “We Support the Federal Government’s Decision”.

The rally was seen as a response to the peaceful protests staged by women loyal to the suspended Governor Fubara, under the auspices of Rivers Women Unite for Sim (RWUS).

Speaking to journalists, one of the organizers of the rally, Hon. Gladys Nweke, a former vice chairman of Etche local government area, said, “What we are doing here is a solidarity march in support of the state of emergency in Rivers State. Since the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State, there has been peace. We no longer hear about killings and cult activities in the state.”

Nweke, who was flanked by other women leaders, added, “We are tired of the violence and insecurity that had become the hallmark of our state. We want peace and stability, and we believe that the state of emergency is the right step towards achieving that.”

The rally, which was peaceful and orderly, saw the women march through the streets of Port Harcourt, singing and dancing to show their support for the federal government’s decision. The event was also attended by some men, who came to show their solidarity with the women.

The state of emergency declaration has been a subject of controversy, with some groups and individuals criticizing the move as an attempt to undermine the democratic process. However, the women who staged the rally on Monday believe that the declaration is necessary to restore peace and stability to the state.