Rivers People Express Discontent Over State of Emergency, Await October Resolution – Annkio Briggs

 Environmental activist Annkio Briggs voiced the frustration of Rivers State residents on July 22, 2025, stating they are “still not happy but watching to see how this all ends by the 1st of October” regarding the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025.

The emergency was imposed amid a prolonged political crisis, triggered by a power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, escalating into violent clashes and governance paralysis. Briggs, a prominent voice in the Niger Delta, appeared on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, highlighting public discontent over restricted freedoms and economic stagnation, with businesses reporting a 30% revenue drop since March.

The state of emergency, backed by a curfew and military deployment, aimed to restore order after protests left 12 dead and 50 injured, per local reports. However, critics, including Briggs, argue it has stifled democratic processes, with the October 1 deadline tied to a rumored review or potential lifting. 

Supporters of Tinubu’s administration claim it prevented anarchy, citing a 40% reduction in violence, though independent monitors question these figures. The narrative’s reliability hinges on official data, yet the lack of transparency fuels skepticism, suggesting a complex interplay of political motives and public welfare.