HeadlineNews.News Special Report
Rivers Women Rally in Support of President Tinubu’s State of Emergency Declaration
Port Harcourt | April 16, 2025
In a powerful and symbolic demonstration, thousands of women from across Rivers State poured into the streets of Port Harcourt today to show their resounding support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Dressed in white and carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Enough is Enough”, “We Choose Peace Over Politics”, and “Mr. President, Save Our Children”, the women converged at the Isaac Boro Park to demand urgent federal intervention in the worsening political crisis in the state.
The rally, which drew participants from all 23 local government areas, was peaceful yet passionate, reinforcing the age-old truth that women, as nurturers and builders of society, remain the conscience of any nation in distress.
A Mother’s Plea for Peace
Speaking at the event, Chief (Mrs.) Boma Iyalla, a retired civil servant and one of the rally coordinators, declared:
“We are not politicians. We are mothers, wives, daughters—calling on Mr. President to save our state from collapse. We welcome the state of emergency because we cannot continue to live in fear. Rivers belongs to us all, and it must not become a theatre of chaos.”
Context of the Crisis
Rivers State has been embroiled in a prolonged political deadlock following the fallout between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The conflict, which began over control of the state’s legislative and financial apparatus, has escalated into factional clashes, violent protests, destruction of state properties, and institutional paralysis. The Rivers State House of Assembly has become a shadow of itself, with parallel sittings and judicial interventions further complicating governance.
According to security reports published in late March 2025, Rivers recorded over 38 politically motivated violent incidents in the first quarter of the year alone, marking a 140% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Women and Peacebuilding
Women have historically played a critical role in peacebuilding across the globe. From Liberia’s Women of Peace Movement that helped end years of civil war, to Nigeria’s Bring Back Our Girls campaign that raised global consciousness about terrorism, women have consistently used their collective voice to steer nations back from the brink.
“We carry the womb of society,” said Pastor Esther Eke, a speaker at the rally. “When there is no peace, our homes suffer, our children suffer, and the future of our state is destroyed. We support President Tinubu’s decisive move to bring peace through the declaration of a state of emergency. We cannot stand by while violence reigns.”
A Legal and Strategic Imperative
Under Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, the President is empowered to declare a state of emergency in any part of the country facing a breakdown of public order or governance. Political analysts argue that the current situation in Rivers meets all the constitutional thresholds, particularly in light of the failure of state institutions to function harmoniously.
Professor Tonye Briggs, a constitutional expert, commented:
“If peace has eluded a state to the point where parallel governments and contested legislatures exist, the Federal Government must act in line with the Constitution. The support of grassroots groups like these women reinforces the moral legitimacy of such action.”
A Rally that Should Not Be Ignored
Today’s rally is not just a protest—it is a moral petition from the most essential fabric of society. The Federal Government, political stakeholders, and security agencies must treat it with the gravity it deserves.
As chants of “Let Rivers Breathe” echoed across the streets, the message was clear: the women of Rivers State will no longer be silent spectators in the unfolding crisis. They demand action—and they are standing with the President to restore peace, security, and governance to their beloved state.
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