Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his family were reportedly held hostage at Rivers State Government House by soldiers following President Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration. The military blockade, linked to political tensions with Nyesom Wike, has sparked nationwide concerns over constitutional violations and the use of force in a democratic crisis.
Tensions escalated in Rivers State on Tuesday night as Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his family were reportedly held hostage at the Government House in Port Harcourt by heavily armed soldiers. The incident, reported by People’s Gazette, followed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state, citing rising political instability.
According to People’s Gazette, the military blockade came amid an ongoing political feud between Fubara and lawmakers loyal to former Governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. The lawmakers, allegedly acting under Wike’s influence, had initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara, intensifying the state’s power struggle.
Government sources disclosed that shortly after Tinubu’s announcement, soldiers sealed off all entrances and exits to the Government House, preventing anyone from leaving or entering. Attempts by Fubara and his family to vacate the premises were reportedly blocked, with the soldiers claiming they had "no orders" to allow movement.
“We are being held hostage,” an official inside the Government House told People’s Gazette. “They said they don’t have instructions to let anyone leave the premises.”
The Nigerian Army and Defence Headquarters have yet to release a statement clarifying whether the soldiers acted on direct presidential orders or exceeded their mandate. Meanwhile, the situation has sparked widespread outrage, with critics accusing the Tinubu administration of overreach and unconstitutional actions.
This development raises critical concerns about using military force in political conflicts and its implications for democratic governance in Nigeria.
