Rivers Women Flood Streets in White, Backing State of Emergency Declaration

 

Port Harcourt, Nigeria – In a powerful display of solidarity, hundreds of women took to the streets of Port Harcourt on Monday morning, marching in support of the state’s recent declaration of a state of emergency.

Clad head-to-toe in white, the women assembled at the busy Garrison Bus Stop as early as 8:00 a.m., where the rally kicked off. The crowd, which steadily grew in numbers, began a peaceful procession along Aba Road—one of the city's major arteries—toward the Rivers State Government House.

The demonstrators sang unity and solidarity songs, voicing their backing for the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired) as the Sole Administrator of the state, a move that has stirred significant political debate in recent days.

The white attire, often symbolic of peace and purity, served as a visual message from the women, who stood firmly in favor of decisive leadership during what many are calling a tense political period for the state.

This rally follows closely on the heels of an earlier protest last week, where another large group of women—this time under the banner of "Rivers Women for Sim"—marched to oppose the declaration of emergency rule and show support for the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The contrasting protests reflect a deepening political divide in the state, as various groups continue to align themselves on either side of the unfolding situation.

As of the time of reporting, the pro-emergency rule demonstrators were still advancing toward the government house, chanting and waving banners in support of the current administrative decisions.