By Prosper Mene
A deepening political crisis in Rivers State, triggered by President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency earlier this week, has raised urgent concerns about the safety and well-being of women in the oil-rich region. The unrest, sparked by the vandalism of critical oil infrastructure, including a recent blast on the Trans-Niger Pipeline, has displaced families, disrupted livelihoods, and left women particularly vulnerable to the fallout.
On March 18, President Tinubu announced the emergency measures in a nationwide broadcast, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers for six months. Citing “disturbing incidents of pipeline vandalism” and a lack of action from the state government, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the military administrator to oversee Rivers State. The decision has intensified an already volatile political rift between Fubara’s administration and lawmakers loyal to his predecessor, further destabilizing the region.
While the emergency declaration aims to restore order, its ripple effects are being felt most acutely by women. “Conflict always hits women hardest,” said Ebiere Okonkwo, a Port Harcourt-based women’s rights advocate. “When families are uprooted and markets shut down, women bear the brunt—struggling to feed their children, facing increased violence, and losing what little economic stability they had.” Reports from local communities indicate that the heightened military presence and uncertainty have restricted movement, limiting access to essential services like healthcare and food supplies.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has sharply criticized the suspension of elected officials, calling it “unconstitutional” and a threat to democratic governance. “Section 305 of the Constitution does not grant the President the power to dissolve a democratically elected government under the guise of emergency rule,” said NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe in a statement. The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) echoed these concerns, labeling the move a “state capture” attempt by Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC).
Amid the political firestorm, women’s groups in Rivers State are sounding the alarm. The Rivers Women’s Coalition, a grassroots organization, has called for immediate action to protect vulnerable populations. “We’re seeing a rise in displacement and insecurity,” said coalition spokesperson Mercy Alabo. “The government must prioritize safe shelters, emergency aid, and measures to prevent gender-based violence as this crisis unfolds.”
The economic stakes are high. The Trans-Niger Pipeline, a vital artery for Nigeria’s oil exports, generates millions of dollars daily, and its disruption has compounded the state’s woes. Local residents fear that the combination of political instability and economic losses will deepen poverty, with women—who often manage household finances—left to pick up the pieces.
Women’s advocates are urging both federal and state authorities to address the human cost of the crisis. “This isn’t just about politics or oil,” Okonkwo emphasized. “It’s about the lives of women and families hanging in the balance. We need stability—and we need it now.”
