President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, and the Nigerian military has taken over the Government House in Port Harcourt.
This move has escalated tensions in the oil-rich state, with armed soldiers deployed to key government institutions.
Armed military personnel have assumed control of the Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency on Tuesday night. This decision was prompted by the ongoing political crisis in the state.
In his announcement, the president also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu for an initial period of six months. Additionally, all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have been suspended.
To manage the state’s affairs, Tinubu has appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator.
Following this nationwide broadcast, military officers arrived fully equipped and took positions at the entrance of the Government House.
Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR psc+ GSS AM ndc MSc (born 27 September 1960). He is a retired Nigerian Navy vice admiral, who was the 22nd Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Nigerian Navy from 2015 to 2021.
In the course of a distinguished service in the Nigerian Navy, Ibas has earned several prestigious awards, including the Silver Jubilee Medal, ECOMOG Medal, Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Distinguished Service Star and the General Service Star.
Others are the Passed Staff Course (DAGGER) and a Fellow of the NDC.In October 2022, a Nigerian National Honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) was conferred on him by President Muhammadu Buhari.[5]
It is expected that the presence of the military would bring about enduring peace. Suppress hostilities and threats of economic sabotage through oil pipeline vandalism and explosions.
it is equally hoped that the Rivers political elites would learn from this development in the interest of their people and sustainable od democratic norms