Rivers Unrest: Military takes over Govt house
The Nigerian Military has taken over the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt just hours after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the State.
Eyewitnesses stated that an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) was seen stationed at the entrance of the Government House along Azikiwe Road.
The military intervention took place around 9 p.m. on Tuesday. It is not clear if Governor Siminalayi Fubara was inside the residence when the troops arrived.
Recall that yesterday, President Bola Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly.
Tinubu stated that the suspension would last for six months, during which time Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) would be appointed Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
“A government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution as amended. In this case, the head of the executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him to govern without the legislature as a despot. As it is, there is no government in Rivers State,” Tinubu stated.
The state has been dealing with political unrest for several months due to a feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Governor Siminilayi Fubara, in response, has issued a statement urging calm among the people of Rivers State, noting that he will “engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong.”
He also accused lawmakers loyal to Wike of obstructing his efforts to implement a Supreme Court ruling, saying, “Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress challenging.”
Fubara’s statement read in part: “Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.
“Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure, and peaceful under our watch.
“At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive. We have always been resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.”
