Soldiers Take Over Rivers Government House After Tinubu Declares State of Emergency
In a dramatic turn of events, heavily armed soldiers have taken control of the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
Eyewitness reports confirm that an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) has been positioned at the entrance of the Government House on Azikiwe Road. It remains unclear whether Governor Siminalayi Fubara was inside the premises when military forces moved in around 9 PM.
Tension Rises as Residents Flee Amid Political Uncertainty
The sudden deployment of military personnel has created tension among residents, many of whom rushed home out of fear of escalating violence. The declaration by President Tinubu came amid the ongoing political power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
President Tinubu’s Justification for the State of Emergency
In his national broadcast, President Tinubu cited the persistent political turmoil in Rivers State as the reason for his decision, stating that all political interventions had failed to resolve the crisis.
He announced:
“By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for six months.
In the meantime, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) has been appointed as the Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs in the best interest of the people. This decision does not affect the judicial arm of the state, which will continue to function in accordance with its constitutional mandate.”
Governor Fubara’s Response and Call for Calm
Reacting to the suspension, Governor Siminalayi Fubara released a statement urging residents to remain calm. He emphasized his commitment to democratic principles and reassured the people of Rivers State that he would work through constitutional channels to challenge the decision.
In his statement titled “Press Release by the Executive Governor of Rivers State,” Fubara accused lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike of frustrating his efforts to comply with the Supreme Court ruling. He stated:
“My dear Rivers people, I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm as we navigate this difficult moment in our state’s political history. From the onset of my administration, I have remained committed to constitutional order, the protection of lives and property, and the progress of our dear state.
Even in the face of political instability, we have prioritized the rule of law and the interests of the people above personal ambitions.”
Legal and Political Experts Condemn the Move
While the federal government insists that the state of emergency is necessary to restore order, political analysts and legal experts have criticized the decision. Several prominent figures have described it as unconstitutional, arguing that the suspension of elected officials undermines democracy.
Renowned constitutional lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) remarked in an interview that the move sets a dangerous precedent and could face legal challenges in court. (Source: Legit.ng)
What’s Next for Rivers State?
With Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) now overseeing governance in Rivers State, stakeholders are watching closely to see how the situation unfolds. Many anticipate legal battles and possible public protests in response to what critics call an undemocratic decision.
For now, the people of Rivers State remain on edge, awaiting further developments in what has become one of the most contentious political crises in recent Nigerian history.
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