By Agboola Aluko, GLiDE NEWS | April 17, 2025
M assive protests rocked the streets of Port Harcourt on Wednesday as hundreds of women under the banner of Rivers Women Unite Prayer Group staged another demonstration against the ongoing emergency rule in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
This latest protest, the second in just three days, further amplified mounting public dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s handling of the crisis in the state.
Wielding placards with bold inscriptions such as "Rivers CP Must Go!" and "We Are Gagged In Our LGAs," the women decried the appointment of a Sole Administrator and called for an immediate reversal of what they labeled an "unconstitutional power grab."
The protest comes amid fresh political moves in Abuja, where the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight has summoned the state’s Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, to appear before it today, Thursday, April 17.
In a statement released by House spokesman Akin Rotimi, the lawmakers said the session was necessary "to ascertain the true state of affairs in Rivers State" and ensure legislative oversight in the public interest.
The invitation, endorsed by the committee chairman, House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, cites Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution and marks a significant step in federal scrutiny of the controversial emergency measures.
Vice Admiral Ibas, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu to oversee the state following the suspension of democratic structures, is expected to testify at 4:00 PM at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
Responding to the summons, the Sole Administrator’s media aide, Hector Igbikiowubo, confirmed that Ibas would honour the invitation. He added that preparations were underway to present a new 2025 Appropriation Bill, stressing that although the administration is only weeks old, a comprehensive NEEDS assessment is in progress.
Meanwhile, protesters in Port Harcourt are intensifying their campaign.
Reading a joint statement to the media, group leaders Dr. Nancy Chidi Nwankwo and Dr. Vivian Ige-Elenwo demanded the immediate removal of the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, accusing him of using police force to crush peaceful protests while allegedly protecting a government-backed counter-protest held on Monday.
“We firmly reject every attempt to stifle the voices of our people or frustrate legitimate dissent,” Nwankwo said. “We condemn in strong terms the dictatorial tendencies of Vice Admiral Ibas and CP Adepoju. This selective protection of sycophants while repressing genuine voices of concern is a grave injustice.”
The women group outlined several key demands:
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Immediate removal of CP Olugbenga Adepoju.
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Total end to the “illegal” emergency rule in Rivers State.
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Full restoration of democratic governance, including reinstating Governor Fubara.
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Redeployment of military personnel to regions plagued by terrorism and insecurity, not peaceful Rivers.
They also warned of the economic consequences of the emergency rule, saying it has caused business closures, stalled investments, and a sharp decline in state economic activity.
“As always, it is our women and children who bear the brunt of this upheaval and economic hardship,” the statement noted.
The group called on civil society, Nigerians of conscience, and the National Assembly to rise in defense of democracy and resist what they described as an assault on constitutional order.
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