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BREAKING: Tinubu Deploys Military to Take Over Rivers State Government House After Suspending Governor Fubara

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has deployed armed security operatives, including the Nigerian Army, to occupy the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt following his suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The move comes hours after Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, citing political instability and security concerns.

A video obtained by SaharaReporters shows several military vans filled with armed operatives heading toward the Rivers State Government House, signaling a dramatic escalation in the ongoing political crisis. The deployment has sparked widespread criticism and raised concerns about the federal government’s approach to resolving the state’s political turmoil.

State of Emergency and Suspension of Officials
In his broadcast, President Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

“In the circumstances, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State… it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provisions of Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th March 2025,” Tinubu announced.

He further stated, “By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.”

Appointment of Administrator
To oversee the state’s affairs during the emergency period, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the Administrator of Rivers State. However, the president clarified that Ibas would not have the authority to make new laws but would focus on managing governance and restoring stability.

Roots of the Political Crisis
The crisis in Rivers State stems from a bitter power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Tensions began shortly after Fubara assumed office in May 2023, with Wike allegedly seeking to maintain control over the state’s political structure from Abuja.

Fubara’s resistance to Wike’s influence led to a series of confrontations, culminating in the defection of 27 pro-Wike lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2023. The defection gave Wike’s loyalists a legislative advantage, setting the stage for a failed impeachment attempt against Fubara.

The political turmoil escalated in October 2023 when the Rivers State House of Assembly complex was set on fire during a violent clash between pro-Fubara and pro-Wike factions. The Supreme Court’s ruling on February 28, 2025, further complicated the crisis, with critics accusing the court of bias and overstepping its jurisdiction.

Supreme Court Ruling and PDP’s Reaction
The Supreme Court’s ruling addressed the defection of the 27 lawmakers and the withholding of Rivers State’s monthly statutory allocation. However, the PDP accused the court of legitimizing the lawmakers’ defection and paving the way for federal intervention.

In a statement, the PDP described the ruling as biased and claimed it went beyond the scope of the original case. The party argued that the court’s decision undermined democratic principles and set a dangerous precedent for federal interference in state affairs.

Implications of Military Deployment
The deployment of military forces to the Rivers State Government House has raised concerns about the erosion of democratic governance and the potential for further unrest. Critics argue that the move represents an overreach of federal power and could exacerbate tensions in the state.

The situation has also drawn attention to the broader challenges of political instability in Nigeria, particularly in states with deep-seated rivalries and power struggles. The federal government’s intervention in Rivers State could set a precedent for similar actions in other states facing political crises.

Reactions and Next Steps
The declaration of a state of emergency and the military takeover have been met with fierce criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups, and political analysts. Many have called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis and urged the federal government to prioritize dialogue over force.

As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are closely monitoring developments in Rivers State. The appointment of an administrator and the suspension of elected officials mark a significant shift in the state’s governance structure, with far-reaching implications for its political future.

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