Nothing Has Changed, Rivers People Not Happy But Waiting For End of State of Emergency -Annkio Briggs

Environmental activist Annkio Briggs has expressed the continued dissatisfaction of Rivers State residents with the state of emergency imposed by President Bola Tinubu.

Environmental activist and rights advocate Annkio Briggs has stated that the people of Rivers State remain dissatisfied with the state of emergency imposed by President Bola Tinubu, even as they await its expected expiration on October 1.

Speaking on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme, on Tuesday, Briggs said, “We are (Rivers people) still not happy, but we’re watching to see how this all ends up by the 1st of October.”

President Tinubu had declared the state of emergency in March 2025 following a prolonged political crisis in Rivers State. The action included the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Oduh, and members of the state House of Assembly for an initial six-month period. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) was appointed as sole administrator to oversee the state.

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Briggs criticized the lack of transparency since the intervention, saying, “Nobody is really accounting for it since almost four months now,” and lamented that “the people of Rivers State are at the receiving end.”

Despite a meeting last month between President Tinubu, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Governor Fubara, and other stakeholders—where Wike announced that all parties had resolved to work together—Briggs argued that little has changed.

“Well, it has not,” she said when asked if the meeting eased political tensions. She further claimed, “Wike does not want to see himself as a former governor but rather wants to see himself as someone who should be in control of the governance of Rivers State.”

The activist emphasized that the political crisis continues to affect the people on the ground, with no real resolution in sight despite public assurances.