President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing political instability and stalled governance as reasons for the drastic measure. The announcement, made in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday evening, has triggered swift military intervention in the oil-rich state.
Hours after the declaration, soldiers took control of the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt. Eyewitnesses confirmed that troops moved in around 9 p.m. while Governor Siminalayi Fubara remained inside his official residence. An armored personnel carrier was also stationed at the entrance, signaling a complete takeover of the state’s seat of power.
The declaration sent shockwaves across the state, with residents and motorists scrambling to get home before nightfall.
In various parts of Port Harcourt, people gathered on the streets to discuss the sudden development, expressing concern over the political crisis that led to the emergency rule. Some blamed political actors for escalating tensions, while others feared what the coming days would bring.
In his address earlier, President Tinubu defended his decision, stating that the deepening crisis in Rivers had defied political solutions and was stalling development.
He maintained that the emergency rule was necessary to restore stability and ensure that the people of the state receive the dividends of democracy.
