Tension heightens as military takes over Rivers, government house
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday evening declared a state of emergency in Rivers State during a nationwide broadcast, citing the need to restore law and order.
As part of the emergency measures, Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. To oversee the state’s affairs, he appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the administrator.
A few hours after the announcement, soldiers took control of the Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt.
An inside source revealed that Governor Fubara was still in his official residence when troops arrived at the premises around 9:00 PM.
“As I speak to you now, soldiers are inside the Government House, but the governor remains in his residence,” the source said.
An Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) was stationed at the entrance of the Government House, overlooking the main road. A correspondent who visited the area around 9:00 PM observed several SUVs with their headlights on outside the main gate. It was unclear whether the governor was preparing to leave the premises.
The state of emergency sparked immediate reactions across Port Harcourt. Residents and motorists rushed home after hearing the news, while groups of people gathered on the streets to discuss the situation. Some residents expressed shock and blamed political actors for the unfolding crisis.
During his broadcast, President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, which he said had defied all political solutions, stalled development, and deprived citizens of democratic dividends.
“After careful reflection and evaluation of the political situation in Rivers State—and given that the Governor and Deputy Governor have failed to request my intervention as required by Section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended—I am compelled to invoke Section 305 to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, effective March 18, 2025.
“By this declaration, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected House of Assembly members are suspended for an initial period of six months.
“I have nominated Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as the Administrator to manage the state’s affairs in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. However, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm, which will continue to function within its constitutional mandate.”
Tinubu clarified that while the administrator would not enact new laws, he could establish necessary regulations. However, these regulations must be reviewed and approved by the Federal Executive Council before being enacted by the President.
The declaration was officially published in the Federal Gazette, with a copy sent to the National Assembly as required by the Constitution.
“It is my sincere hope that this intervention will restore peace and order in Rivers State and reinforce the constitutional responsibilities of all political actors in the state and the nation at large,” Tinubu stated.
The announcement followed an emergency security meeting at Aso Rock Presidential Villa, convened by Tinubu after twin explosions occurred at two oil pipelines in Rivers State.
The meeting, which started at 3:00 PM, was attended by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, State Security Service Director-General Adeola Ajayi, and National Intelligence Agency Director-General Mohammed Mohammed.
Also present were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, and other senior government officials.
The situation in Rivers State remains tense as residents await further developments.
