Chaos In Rivers! Governor Fubara, Family Reportedly Held Hostage In Government House After Tinubu’s Emergency Declaration

This incident follows President Bola Tinubu’s decision to invoke Section 180 of the Nigerian Constitution, declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday night. The move comes amid escalating political tensions fueled by lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, who had initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara.

Despite being handpicked by Wike as his successor in the 2023 elections—an election tainted by corruption allegations—Fubara has since fallen out with his political benefactor.

Sources within the Rivers State government told Peoples Gazette that soldiers, acting on presidential orders, sealed off the Government House, blocking all entry and exit points immediately after Tinubu’s announcement.

Attempts by Fubara and his family to leave and retrieve their belongings were reportedly thwarted by the soldiers. A government official on the scene stated, “We are being held hostage. They said they don’t have instructions to let anyone leave.”

It remains uncertain whether the soldiers were strictly following directives or overstepping their mandate under the emergency measures.

Tinubu’s decision to suspend Fubara and other state officials for six months has ignited intense debate on social media, with many questioning whether the president has the constitutional authority to remove an elected governor—especially since the impeachment process against Fubara was incomplete at the time of the declaration.

Following the emergency proclamation, Tinubu appointed retired Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, as the interim military administrator for Rivers State.