Tension in Rivers State as Governor Fubara and Family Reportedly Detained by Military During State of Emergency
Tension in Rivers State as Governor Fubara and Family Reportedly Detained by Military During State of Emergency
Observers are closely monitoring the evolving crisis in Rivers State, where the appointment of a state administrator signals a temporary suspension of Governor Sim Fubara’s term.
The situation escalated after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency, leading to reports that Governor Fubara and his family are being held by armed soldiers at the Government House in Port Harcourt. The military reportedly entered the premises while the Fubara family was in the process of packing their belongings following the emergency declaration.
This development follows the president’s invocation of Section 305(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the federal government to impose emergency rule in states facing significant political turmoil. In his formal announcement, President Tinubu emphasized the necessity of his actions to restore stability in Rivers State amid ongoing political unrest.
To manage the situation, the president has appointed Ibot Ete Ibas, a retired Chief of Naval Staff, as the state administrator for a duration of six months.
A Government House official, who is among those impacted by the military’s presence, reported, “We are being held hostage. They have stated they do not have instructions to allow anyone to leave the premises.”
As the situation develops, concerns grow over the implications of federal intervention and the future of political leadership in Rivers State.
