Fubara and family trapped in Rivers government house as soldiers block all exits

Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his family are reportedly unable to leave the Rivers State Government House after soldiers took control of the premises on Tuesday night.

Heavily armed troops blocked all entry and exit points, preventing movement in and out of the compound.

The situation unfolded shortly after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing an ongoing political crisis.

The president’s decision was based on a dispute between Governor Fubara and lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, who recently initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara.

Soldiers acted immediately after Tinubu’s announcement, sealing off the government house.

When Governor Fubara and his family attempted to move their belongings out, soldiers refused, enforcing a strict lockdown.

It remains unclear if the soldiers were strictly following directives or if they took excessive action on their own.

President Tinubu’s emergency order suspends all parties involved in the crisis, including Fubara, for six months.

However, legal experts and social media users have questioned the constitutionality of his actions, arguing that a governor cannot be removed without due process.

Some lawyers have strongly criticized the president, accusing him of overstepping his constitutional powers.

In the meantime, Tinubu has appointed retired Chief of Naval Staff Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the interim military administrator of Rivers State.