On April 11, 2025, hundreds of women in Rivers State staged a protest against the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The protesters, under the banner of the Rivers Women Unite Prayer Group, marched from Isaac Boro Park to Garrison Junction in Port Harcourt, causing significant traffic disruptions. Led by Dr. Nancy Chidi Nwankwo, Tamunobelema D. West, and Cynthia Amadi, the women called for the immediate lifting of the emergency rule and the reinstatement of the democratically elected governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara. They criticized the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as Sole Administrator, viewing it as a politically motivated move that undermines democracy. The group highlighted the relative peace in Rivers State compared to other regions facing severe security challenges and condemned what they perceive as a double standard in the federal government’s actions.
