The Nigerian military has taken over the Rivers State Government House following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state. The decision, announced in a national broadcast late Tuesday night, has heightened political tensions in the oil-rich state.
Armed soldiers were seen at key government institutions in Port Harcourt, with an Armoured Personnel Carrier stationed at the entrance of the Government House. An insider confirmed that Governor Siminalayi Fubara was still inside his official residence when the troops arrived around 9 pm.
“Well, as I speak to you now, there are soldiers inside Government House, but the governor is in his residence,” the source revealed.
The military action comes after weeks of political turmoil and escalating tensions between Governor Fubara and a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule. Tinubu’s intervention is seen as an attempt to restore stability, though critics argue it undermines democratic institutions.
Tinubu Justifies Emergency Rule, Suspends Government Officials
In his nationwide address, President Tinubu stated that the crisis in Rivers State had defied political solutions and was impeding governance. He declared that both Governor Fubara and his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, were suspended for six months, along with all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State, and with the Governor and Deputy Governor failing to request my intervention as required by Section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of Section 305 to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th March 2025, and I so do,” Tinubu declared.
He also announced the appointment of retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the administrator of Rivers State. The administrator is expected to oversee governance but will not have the authority to enact new laws.
“It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole,” Tinubu added.
The President assured that the judicial arm of government would remain functional and that the emergency measure was temporary. However, opposition figures argue that the move could set a dangerous precedent for Nigerian democracy.
Heightened Tensions in Port Harcourt
As news of the state of emergency spread, panic gripped Port Harcourt residents. Many businesses closed early, and streets emptied faster than usual as people rushed home before nightfall.
Motorists abandoned commercial activities, and security checkpoints were set up across major roads leading to the city. Meanwhile, some supporters of Governor Fubara gathered in protest, chanting slogans against the military takeover.
In response, Fubara released a personally signed statement calling for calm.
“We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive,” he stated.
Fubara blamed members of the state Assembly loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike for frustrating his efforts to stabilize governance.
“At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process,” Fubara stated.
Despite Fubara’s appeal, there were unconfirmed reports of sporadic clashes between rival political supporters in parts of the state.
Explosions Rock Oil Pipelines Amidst Crisis
Adding to the chaos, two separate explosions were reported on oil pipelines in Rivers State just hours before the emergency declaration.
The first explosion occurred along the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, while the second was reported at a manifold in Omwawriwa, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the incidents, stating that two suspects had been arrested in connection with the attacks.
“Security operatives observed the incident and promptly alerted SPDC management. The latter initiated necessary safety protocols, including shutting down the affected pipeline,” police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko stated.
While no direct link has been established between the explosions and the political crisis, militant groups had previously threatened to attack oil installations in response to the state’s instability.
Political Tensions and Impeachment Moves
The crisis in Rivers State escalated after the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly served an impeachment notice to Governor Fubara and his deputy.
The impeachment move followed a Supreme Court ruling affirming that 27 lawmakers, loyal to Wike, remained valid members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This ruling nullified their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Additionally, the apex court directed the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant General of the Federation to withhold financial allocations to Rivers State until a lawful Appropriation Law was enacted under Amaewhule as Speaker.
Governor Fubara’s rift with the pro-Wike lawmakers has been at the heart of the crisis. The lawmakers had earlier defected to the APC, prompting Fubara to present the 2024 budget before a four-member Assembly faction loyal to him. The controversy surrounding this budget fueled tensions, with opposing factions accusing each other of constitutional violations.
Reactions from Political Stakeholders
Following the declaration of the state of emergency, reactions have poured in from various political figures and institutions.
Former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, urged residents to remain calm.
“The President has taken the necessary steps to restore normalcy, and we must all support the process,” he stated.
However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) strongly condemned the action, describing it as an “illegal move to silence an elected government.”
“This is a dangerous precedent for Nigerian democracy. Nigerians must resist any form of executive tyranny,” PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said in a statement.
On the other hand, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) defended Tinubu’s decision.
“The President has acted in the interest of peace and stability. Rivers State cannot continue on a path of crisis that threatens the entire nation’s economy,” APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, stated.
International Community Reacts
The United Nations has also weighed in, with its Special Envoy to West Africa, Jean-Claude Brou, calling for restraint.
“Nigeria’s democracy must be upheld. We urge all parties to dialogue and ensure that the democratic process is respected,” Brou stated.
Similarly, the United States and the United Kingdom expressed concern over the development. The U.S. State Department issued a statement calling for a peaceful resolution while emphasizing the need for democratic institutions to function effectively.
“We are closely monitoring the situation in Rivers State. The United States urges all parties to respect constitutional order and avoid actions that could escalate tensions,” the statement read.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on Rivers State, with concerns growing over the long-term implications of the emergency rule on democracy, governance, and security in Nigeria.
