President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday evening declared a state of emergency in Rivers State in a nationwide broadcast.
Citing the need to restore law and order, Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State for an initial six months.
Tinubu announced the nomination of retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the Rivers State administrator to steer the affairs of the state.
A few hours after the declaration, soldiers took over the Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt.
An insider said the governor was still in his official residence in the Government House when the troops swarmed over the premises around 9 pm.
The source stated, “Well, as I speak to you now, there are soldiers inside Government House but the governor is in his residence.”
Also, an Armoured Personnel Carrier was stationed at the entrance of the seat of power in the state overlooking the road.
Our correspondent, who visited the Government House along Azikiwe Road in Port Harcourt, at about 9pm observed several Sports Utility Vehicles outside the main gate with full lights on.
It could not be ascertained if the governor was about to leave the Government House.
Tension in Rivers
In many parts of the Port Harcourt metropolis, residents and motorists were seen rushing home to their families immediately after the news of the state of emergency filtered in.
People were also seen on the streets discussing the latest issue as some residents expressed dismay over the announcement and blamed the political actors for what happened.
Tinubu justifies action
In his broadcast, the President Tinubu said he was disturbed by the unfolding events in the state, which appeared to have defied political solutions, stalled development and progress and denied the people of the state the dividends of democracy.
The Punch
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