Mary Onyia
Women in Rivers State have called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his supporters in the State House of Assembly to sheathe their swords and embrace peace for the greater good of the state and its people.
The women expressed serious concerns over the worsening political crisis in the state, urging all parties involved to prioritize peace and unity. They emphasized that any further escalation would disproportionately affect women and children, who would bear the brunt of the consequences.
Speaking on behalf of the women, Beatrice Awala, a former member of the State House of Assembly who represented Ahoada East Constituency 1, lamented the growing political instability. She noted that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has consistently shown a peaceful attitude amidst the crisis, a quality she urged the opposing factions to emulate in order to foster reconciliation.
Awala said: “I stand here as an elder stateswoman today. We are praying for peace, unity, progress, and development. We are asking for one governor to rule at a time. If the situation worsens, women and children will suffer the most. We are calling on all parties to remember the people of Rivers State and put their interests first.”
The women made their call for peace during a prayer and fasting session held at Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt, organized by the group Rivers Women Unite for Sim. The gathering sought to bring together women from all parts of the state to pray for calm and harmony in the political landscape.
Christianah Tamunobelesuari, a former Vice Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, emphasized that the purpose of the prayer was to advocate for peace, highlighting that without peace, the state’s progress would be hindered.
Gloria Kalada-Nonju, another member of the group, appealed to both the lawmakers and Wike to prioritize peace for the good of Rivers State.
In her sermon titled “David and Goliath,” Dr. (Mrs.) Queen Karibi-Botoye recalled the biblical story of divine intervention during times of adversity. She reaffirmed the women’s desire not for anyone to suffer, but for the state to come together and work for the common good.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly had recently criticized Governor Fubara for allegedly bypassing the due process by re-presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the lawmakers. The lawmakers, mostly aligned with Wike, accused the governor of undermining the implementation of a Supreme Court ruling and called on the public to pressure him into following the proper legal procedures.
Dr. Enemi Alabo George, Chairman of the House Committee on Information and the Assembly’s spokesperson, condemned the governor’s actions, claiming they were hindering efforts to bring about peace in the state.
With additional reports from the Guardian