A coalition of concerned women under the banner of Rivers Women Unite Prayer Group has issued a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to lift the ongoing state of emergency in Rivers State, which they say is stifling economic activities and inflicting untold hardship on women and children.
In a press statement signed by Dr. Vivian Ige-Elenwo and Chikodi Okpara and read on behalf of the group by Professor Roseline Konya, the women called on the President to “save Rivers people from the burden of the emergency rule,” describing it as a growing threat to peace, reconciliation, and development in the state.
“The continuation of the state of emergency in Rivers State is taking a great toll on the women, the youths, and the children as the economy is sliding down and gradually becoming comatose,” the statement said.
The group pledged its support for President Tinubu and implored him to take swift action by restoring democratic institutions and allowing Governor Siminalayi Fubara to resume his duties without hindrance. They believe such a move would mark a vital step toward rebuilding trust and peace among the state’s warring factions.
“It is obvious that our State is the major loser of the emergency rule as many development actions are on suspension,” the women said, warning that continued instability would only deepen the suffering of ordinary citizens.
The women also used the platform to urge political actors in the state to prioritize unity and reconciliation, placing the welfare of Rivers State above personal or political interests.
In a show of solidarity with other crisis-hit regions in the country, the group extended its condolences to victims of recent violence in Plateau, Benue, and Gombe States, calling for a robust national security response to curb further loss of life.
“Our earnest call is based on the fact that what affects the eyes, also affects the nose,” the group concluded. “We need sustainable peace and development in our country and pray for a better Nigeria.”
The statement has since drawn reactions from across the state as residents watch closely to see how the federal government will respond.
