Governor Fubara’s Whereabouts Unknown as Army Takes Over Rivers Government House

 

Tension in Rivers: Military Occupies Government House After Tinubu Declares State of Emergency

Port Harcourt, Nigeria – Uncertainty and tension gripped Rivers State on Tuesday night as heavily armed military personnel took over the Government House in Port Harcourt. This came just hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state, following escalating threats and attacks on oil installations by militant groups.

Eyewitnesses reported the deployment of at least ten military trucks and armored vehicles strategically positioned around the Government House, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among residents. Soldiers were seen patrolling the roads leading to the Government House, while other security forces took up positions at key access points, making movement in and around the area highly restricted.

Militants Strike After Impeachment Notice

The crisis erupted after the Rivers State House of Assembly issued an impeachment notice against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing him of gross misconduct. In response, some militant groups threatened to sabotage oil pipelines if the lawmakers proceeded with their impeachment plans.

True to their threats, the militants launched attacks on critical oil infrastructure just hours after the impeachment notice was served. This prompted swift federal intervention, with President Tinubu announcing the suspension of both Governor Fubara and the state legislators for six months. In their place, he appointed an administrator to oversee the affairs of the state.

Government House on Lockdown

As the state of emergency took effect, military trucks and armored vehicles were positioned at key locations around the Government House, including the main gate and roads leading to the premises. The usually busy road linking the Government House to the UTC Junction and Isaac Boro Park was eerily empty as residents hurried home to avoid being caught in any potential violence.

A Port Harcourt resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the heavy military presence.

“The entire road from Isaac Boro Park to UTC Junction is deserted. People are trying to get home quickly because no one wants to be caught in a crossfire. I counted about ten military trucks moving around the Government House, and armored tanks have been stationed at the main entrance,” the source revealed.

Governor Fubara’s Whereabouts Unclear

Amid the heightened security, the exact location of Governor Fubara remains uncertain. Sources within the Government House suggest that the governor may have anticipated the federal government’s move and held multiple closed-door meetings with his executive council members throughout the day.

A former commissioner, who briefly spoke to our reporter, confirmed that he was in a meeting with the governor but declined to comment further, promising to call back later. However, as of press time, he had not responded to follow-up inquiries.

A State on Edge

The events unfolding in Rivers State have sparked fear and concern among residents, with many unsure of what comes next. The declaration of a state of emergency effectively places the state under federal control, leaving its political future uncertain.

With military forces occupying the Government House and the governor’s fate still unclear, all eyes are on the federal government’s next move in resolving the deepening crisis.