State of Emergency: Fubara’s whereabouts unknown as military takes over Rivers government house
The whereabouts of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, remained unknown on Tuesday night as military trucks moved into the Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt, following the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Eyewitnesses reported that heavily armed military personnel positioned trucks both inside and outside the Government House, marking the first night of emergency rule in the oil-rich state.
The president’s decision came after militants attacked oil installations in the state.
The armed groups had earlier warned they would blow up pipelines if the Rivers State House of Assembly proceeded with plans to impeach Fubara.
Hours after the lawmakers served the governor a notice of alleged misconduct, the militants carried out their threat, leading to Tinubu’s swift intervention.
In response, the president suspended both Fubara and the state lawmakers for six months, appointing an administrator to take charge of the state.
Following the declaration, at least 10 military trucks were seen patrolling the roads leading to the Government House, while armoured vehicles were positioned at key locations.
The usually busy UTC Junction leading to the Government House was eerily deserted, with residents hurrying home to avoid getting caught in any potential violence.
A Port Harcourt resident, who spoke to The Informant247 on condition of anonymity, confirmed the heavy military presence.
“I saw about 11 military trucks moving around, and there are armoured tanks at both entrances of Government House. The road from Isaac Boro Park to UTC is empty, and people are rushing home to avoid any trouble.e,” the source said.
As of press time, it was unclear whether Governor Fubara had left the Government House.
However, a government insider suggested that the governor may have anticipated the state of emergency and had spent the day in meetings with members of the suspended state executive council.
With tensions running high, the unfolding events have left Rivers residents on edge, fearing what may come next under emergency rule.
