Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s whereabouts remained uncertain on Tuesday night as military trucks moved into the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt.
The deployment came on the first night of the state of emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who suspended Fubara, his deputy, and the state lawmakers for six months following escalating tensions in the state.
According to reports, the trucks were stationed both within and outside the Government House premises.
Tinubu’s decision to impose emergency rule followed attacks on oil installations in Rivers State.
Some militant groups had previously threatened to destroy pipelines if the state House of Assembly proceeded with the impeachment of Fubara.
Hours after lawmakers served the governor with a notice of alleged misconduct, the threats were reportedly carried out.
Reacting to the situation, Tinubu 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.”
He also announced the appointment of an administrator to take charge of the state.
Following the declaration, eyewitnesses reported seeing about ten military trucks patrolling the roads leading to the Government House’s main gate, while armored vehicles were positioned strategically around the area.
A resident of Port Harcourt, who spoke anonymously, confirmed the military presence, saying:
“The road leading to Government House from Isaac Boro Park to the popular UTC is deserted. Residents are making efforts to get back to their respective homes as nobody wants to be caught in a crossfire. I saw about ten military trucks patrolling the road leading to Government House. There are other armored tanks stationed at both entrance roads leading to Government House.”
As at the time of this report, it was unclear whether Fubara had vacated the Government House.
However, sources within the government suggested that he had anticipated the declaration of a state of emergency.
A source from Government House revealed to DAILY GAZETTE that the governor had spent the day holding meetings with members of the suspended State Executive Council.
A former commissioner, when contacted by our reporter, briefly responded, saying he was in a meeting with the governor and promised to call back later.
However, he did not follow up before the time of publication.
