Soldiers Takes Over Rivers Govt House After Tinubu’s State Of Emergency Declaration

President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State during a national broadcast, citing the need to restore law and order.

As part of the move, Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

The president, who announced this during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday evening, March 18, appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas to oversee the state’s affairs.

Shortly after the announcement, soldiers were deployed to the Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt.

According to an insider, Governor Fubara was still inside his official residence when troops arrived around 9 p.m.

“Well, as I speak to you now, there are soldiers inside Government House but the governor is in his residence,” the source told PUNCH.

An Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) was also stationed at the entrance, overlooking the main road.

When newsmen visited the scene around 9 p.m., several SUVs with headlights on were parked outside the main gate, though it was unclear whether the governor was preparing to leave.

News of the state of emergency sent shockwaves across Port Harcourt, with residents and motorists rushing home as night fell.

On the streets, many gathered in small groups, discussing the sudden development, with some blaming political leaders for the crisis.

KanyiDaily recalls that President Bola Tinibu clarified that the state of emergency declaration did not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which will continue to function in accordance with its constitutional mandate.