As Nigeria prepares to celebrate Democracy Day on May 29, the Rivers Women Prayer Group has voiced strong concerns over what it describes as the deteriorating state of Rivers State under the current state of emergency. The group is calling for an immediate end to the emergency rule and a return to democratic governance.
At a prayer rally held on Friday in Port Harcourt, Niger Delta activist Ann-Kio Briggs delivered a statement on behalf of the group, signed by Dr. Vivian Ige-Elenwo and Chikodi Okpara. The women questioned whether Rivers State would be able to join other states in marking the day, given what they say is the stifling of development due to the ongoing political crisis.
“We, the Rivers Women Prayer Group, once again call for the urgent termination of the state of emergency imposed on our beloved state. It continues to harm our collective development,” the statement read.
With May 29 approaching, the group expressed concern over the future of the state, accusing the current sole administrator of mismanaging resources and worsening the political impasse. “Our state is bleeding. The emergency rule has created a governance vacuum that has prevented progress,” they added.
They stressed that women and children are the most affected by the crisis, and called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene.
The women also appealed to the National Assembly to engage key stakeholders in finding a peaceful resolution. “We support peace and reconciliation and urge the National Assembly to facilitate dialogue among political actors in the state.”
The group concluded by thanking Nigerians and the international community for their continued support, stating their commitment to restoring democracy in Rivers State and reinstating Governor Siminalayi Fubara.