There is growing tension in Rivers State following reports that heavily armed soldiers have surrounded the Government House in Port Harcourt, holding Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his family hostage.
The development comes hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers. The President also appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the state’s interim administrator.
Eyewitnesses in Port Harcourt reported a heavy military presence around the Government House, with military trucks and armored tanks positioned at all access points. Residents say security forces have effectively cut off the governor and his family from the outside world.
“I saw about 10 military trucks blocking the roads leading to the Government House. There are also armored tanks at both entrance roads,” a resident told reporters.
Sources inside the Government House claim that the governor and his family have been prevented from leaving the premises. “We are being held hostage. The soldiers say they don’t have orders to let anyone out,” an official inside the premises disclosed.
The situation has sparked outrage, with legal experts and civil society groups questioning the legality of the President’s actions. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the decision, arguing that a state of emergency does not justify the suspension of a democratically elected governor.
As the crisis unfolds, local and international stakeholders are closely monitoring the events in Rivers State.
