A few hours after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, military personnel moved in and took control of the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The deployment follows the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Eyewitnesses reported that soldiers, supported by tanks and armored vehicles, arrived at the Government House late Tuesday night, securing key areas within the state’s administrative headquarters.
Sources indicate that the military presence is aimed at maintaining order following weeks of political turmoil and security concerns in the state.
The crisis in Rivers State has been escalating due to a power struggle between Governor Fubara and state legislators.
The dispute intensified when some lawmakers accused the governor of unconstitutional budgetary actions and legislative interference.
Amid growing tension, the vandalism of an oil pipeline in the region further raised security concerns, prompting the federal government to act.
In his emergency declaration, President Tinubu appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, as the Sole Administrator of the state while assuring that the judiciary would continue to function.
The move has sparked widespread reactions, with the Nigerian Bar Association condemning the suspension of elected officials as unconstitutional.
Many political stakeholders and civil society groups have also criticized the decision, describing it as an overreach of executive power.
Meanwhile, protests have erupted in parts of the state, with supporters of the suspended governor and lawmakers rejecting the federal intervention.
Security agencies have urged calm, warning against any acts of violence or destruction of public property.
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