Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State has been taken over by combined operatives of the Nigerian Military and police.
The takeover of strategic locations in the city was a direct result of the declaration of state of emergency in the state by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his subsequent suspension of the Governor Siminalyi Fubara, his Deputy Mrs. Ngozi Odu and all the elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
According to reports, military trucks and police armored personnel carrier were deployed to strategic places including the Government House Port Harcourt, the State Secretariat, House of Assembly Quarters and other government buildings across the city.
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A staff of the Government House who spoke on the condition of anonymity to FACTSHEET said that the “governor was still in his quarters when the military trucks arrived, but there is no sign of any altercations.”
As tension continues to rise in the state, President Bola Tinubu while declaring the state of emergency assured Nigerians and the people of Rivers State that the imposition of the state of emergency was inevitable to restore peace and sanity in the state.
The President said:
“In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation 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 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 and I so do.
“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.
“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.”
Governor Fubara Calls for Calm
On his part, the suspended governor in a press statement he personally signed called on the citizens of the state to stay calm and go about their normal businesses without any fear of harassment. He noted that despite the deteriorating political situation in the state, he had always put the wellbeing of the people of the state first.
The press statement titled, “Press Release by the Executive Governor of Rivers State,” reads in part:
“My dear Rivers People, I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history
“Since assuming office as your governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.
“We prioritised the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear state.
“Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.
“This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.
“Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgment to return the state to normalcy.
“These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State.
“Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.
“Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.
“Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the state forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.
“At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.
“We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.”
National Assembly Backs President Tinubu
Amidst the divergent interests and arguments following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the National Assembly has come out to affirm its support for the decision of the president.
It will be recalled that President Tinubu had summoned and emergency meeting at the State House on Tuesday with security chiefs and leadership of the National Assembly in attendance. The meeting had the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen and the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu in attendance. Also in attendance was the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu as well as the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun. Affirming the support of the National Assembly, the Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr. in statement stated that the President consulted the National Assembly before the decision was taken.
Hi statement reads:
“In response to multiple inquiries, I can confirm that the National Assembly was duly consulted by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in reaching this decision.
“The leadership of the National Assembly met with the President and the National Security Adviser ahead of the broadcast, alongside key security chiefs. During this meeting, they were fully briefed on Mr. President’s intentions, and all present unanimously expressed their support.
“Furthermore, Mr. President’s formal letter, informing the House of Representatives of his decision and seeking approval in line with Section 305 of the Constitution, has been transmitted and will be read during plenary tomorrow, Wednesday, March 19, 2025, with further legislative action to be debated and decided.”
Oil Facilities Suffer Breaches
Earlier on Monday, a major oil facility, the Trans Niger Pipeline in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State was hit by an explosion that necessitated an immediate shutdown of the pipeline.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement, according a media statement issued by the police spokesperson, ASP Grace Iringe-Koko, “The Rivers State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that a fire incident occurred at the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) operated Trans Niger Delta Pipeline, located at the border of Kpor and Bodo communities.
“During a routine night patrol, security operatives observed the incident and promptly alerted SPDC management.
“The latter initiated necessary safety protocols, including shutting down the affected pipeline. As a result of swift intervention, the situation is now under control, and there is no further threat to residents or the environment.”
The police however, assured that it was on top of the situation as “investigations” had already commenced to unravel the cause of the explosion, “The Rivers State Police Command has commenced a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire. In connection with this, two individuals have been taken in for questioning as part of efforts to uncover any potential act of sabotage.
“The Command remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators of criminal activities are identified and brought to justice”.
“The Command will not relent in its efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and maintain peace and security for all,” the police spokesperson added.
Despite the assurances of the police, there have been reported attacks on other oil facilities both in Rivers and neighbouring Bayelsa State.
Despite the assurances from the security forces and the ousted governor, residents of Rivers State are apprehensive over the uncertain and unpredictable situation in the state.
Wike, Rivers Assembly Members Silent
Meanwhile, despite the heated interests generated by the declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers State, major actors including former governor of the state and the Minister of the the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike and the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have kept mum over the development in the state.
Attempts by journalists to reach any of the Wike camp to comment on the unfolding political situation in the have not been successful.