Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria — Protests erupted in Port Harcourt on Wednesday as women from the Rivers Women Unite Prayer Group rallied against the emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The demonstration followed a similar protest on Monday, highlighting the rising dissent over the newly appointed Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd).
The women declared the emergency rule and Ibas’s appointment illegal, voicing their concerns amid a tense political climate. As they marched through the streets, they carried placards with messages like “Ibas, your policies are one-sided” and “Rivers CP must go,” demanding a rollback of the emergency measures.
These protests coincided with the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, which invited Ibas to appear before it in Abuja on Thursday, April 17. This invitation follows the National Assembly‘s decision, citing Section 11 of the Constitution, to assume legislative functions from the suspended State Assembly.
In a statement released on Wednesday, House spokesman Akin Rotimi communicated the committee’s aim to maintain legislative oversight due to the constitutional mandate granted by Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution. “We intend to engage with Vice Admiral Ibas to clarify the current situation in Rivers State,” Rotimi noted.
Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, committee chairman, emphasized the need for a fair assessment to ensure decisions reflect the public interest. Ibas’s appearance is anticipated to shed light on the situation since he took charge as Sole Administrator for an initial six-month period.
Responding to the committee’s summons, Hector Igbikiowubo, Senior Special Assistant on Media to Ibas, confirmed the Sole Administrator would honor the invitation, stating, “It is within the right of the National Assembly, and the committee is doing its job.” He also indicated that preparations for the 2025 Appropriation Bill were underway, despite the administration being relatively new.
The women’s group, representing all 23 local government areas in Rivers, also called for the removal of the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, due to alleged police brutality against peaceful protesters. Dr. Nancy Nwankwo, speaking at the rally, reiterated their demands for an end to the emergency rule and the reinstatement of democratic governance in the state.
“We firmly reject every attempt to stifle the voices of our people or frustrate legitimate dissent,” Nwankwo asserted. She recounted instances from previous protests, where the police responded with tear gas to silence demonstrators. Moreover, she accused Ibas of sponsoring counter-protests to undermine their efforts.
The group condemned what they perceive as a “grave injustice,” calling for urgent action from civil society and the National Assembly to reverse the unpopular emergency rule, citing economic distress as businesses shutter and investments flee due to instability.
<p“Our women and children are suffering the most from this upheaval and economic hardship,” Nwankwo added. "We call on all Nigerians of conscience to act boldly against this impunity." As tensions rise, all eyes are on the upcoming interactions between the committee and the Sole Administrator.
