Tinubu Deploys Military to Seize Rivers Government House After Governor’s Suspension

By Achimi Muktar

Nigeria is on edge as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken the unprecedented step of deploying the military to seize control of the Rivers State Government House, following his shocking suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

A dramatic video obtained by SaharaReporters on Monday evening shows heavily armed soldiers in military vans storming the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt. This follows Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political instability and security concerns.

How Did We Get Here?

During a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, President Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, effectively dissolving the state’s elected leadership for an initial period of six months. This move saw not only the suspension of Governor Fubara but also that of his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

"In the circumstances, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State, it has become inevitably compelling for me to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, with effect from today, 18th March 2025," Tinubu announced.

To replace the suspended administration, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the State Administrator, though with no legislative powers—only the authority to manage governance and restore order.

The Wike-Fubara Power Struggle

The crisis in Rivers State has been brewing for months, largely fueled by a bitter political feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Wike, a political heavyweight, has been accused of trying to control Rivers State from Abuja, allegedly treating Fubara as a mere puppet. But Fubara, unwilling to bow to Wike’s influence, pushed back—triggering a dangerous power struggle.

This led to 27 pro-Wike lawmakers defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2023, shifting legislative power in Wike’s favor. With the Assembly under his control, an impeachment attempt against Fubara was launched but ultimately failed.

The political chaos boiled over in October 2023, when the Rivers State House of Assembly complex was set on fire amid violent clashes between supporters of both factions.

Supreme Court Drama and Federal Intervention

The crisis deepened further when the Supreme Court delivered a controversial ruling on February 28, 2025, which many analysts saw as overreaching.

The PDP accused the court of bias, arguing that its judgment legitimized the defection of the pro-Wike lawmakers, essentially handing them the power to remove Fubara and opening the door for federal intervention.

What’s Next for Rivers State?

With armed forces now occupying the Rivers State Government House, tensions are at an all-time high. Fubara’s supporters are outraged, branding Tinubu’s actions as an authoritarian move to silence opposition.

Critics fear this could set a dangerous precedent, where the federal government can remove elected governors at will under the guise of a state of emergency.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on Rivers State. Will Fubara fight back? Will there be protests or resistance? And most importantly, what does this mean for Nigeria’s democracy?

Stay tuned for more updates as this political earthquake continues to shake the nation.