in a dramatic turn of events, the Nigerian military has taken control of the Rivers State Government House following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state. The move, which took place late Tuesday night, has heightened tensions in Port Harcourt, with an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) stationed at the entrance of the Government House along Azikiwe Road.

The situation remains uncertain, as it is unclear whether Governor Siminalayi Fubara was present in the Government House at the time of the military intervention. Rivers State has been embroiled in political turmoil for months due to a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

In a nationwide broadcast, President Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly. He appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the interim administrator to oversee governance in the state for the next six months.

Unrest Among Residents

The declaration has triggered fear among residents, many of whom rushed home in anticipation of potential unrest. Reports from eyewitnesses indicate a heavy military presence around key government buildings, adding to the growing anxiety in the city.

In response, Governor Fubara released a statement urging calm, reaffirming his commitment to upholding democracy in Rivers State. He accused lawmakers loyal to Wike of obstructing governance and frustrating his administration’s efforts to implement a Supreme Court ruling.

“Our priority has always been the security of lives and property, and the advancement of Rivers State. Despite political disagreements, governance has continued, salaries have been paid, and major projects have been executed,” Fubara’s statement read.

Widespread Criticism of Emergency Rule

The declaration has been met with fierce criticism from various political and regional groups, including the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the Ijaw National Congress (INC), as well as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

PANDEF’s National Spokesman, Dr. Obiuwevbi Christopher Ominimini, expressed deep concern over the move, describing it as “an alarming overreach” and an unnecessary escalation of a crisis that could have been resolved politically.

Similarly, the INC has condemned Tinubu’s decision, accusing the President of siding with Wike in Rivers’ political conflict. INC spokesperson Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha stated, “It is sad that the President has chosen to favor an individual over the entire state.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also criticized the state of emergency, calling it a “dangerous act of political manipulation.” He blamed Tinubu for allowing the situation to escalate, stating, “His refusal or calculated negligence in preventing this crisis is disgraceful.”

Political Analysts Weigh In

Political commentators and analysts have questioned the rationale behind suspending only Governor Fubara while allowing Wike, a central figure in the political feud, to remain in office as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Elder statesman Chief Chekwas Okorie described the emergency declaration as premature and politically motivated. “This crisis had not reached a point warranting emergency rule. There were still political solutions available,” Okorie argued.

Political analyst Ignatius Chukwu also voiced concerns over the decision, questioning its fairness. “If the crisis was truly about governance, why target only Fubara? The federal government’s intervention appears one-sided,” he noted.

As Rivers State remains on edge, many fear that this development could set a precedent for future political crises in Nigeria. The coming days will be crucial in determining how the situation unfolds, with residents, political stakeholders, and security forces all closely monitoring the state’s fate.