The whereabouts of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, remained unknown on Tuesday night following the deployment of military trucks into the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The deployment came on the first night of the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in response to escalating attacks on oil installations in the state.
Some militant groups had earlier threatened to blow up pipelines if the Rivers State House of Assembly proceeded with its impeachment plans against Governor Fubara. Hours after the lawmakers served the governor a notice of alleged misconduct, the militants made good on their threat, attacking oil infrastructure in the region.
In response, President Tinubu suspended both the governor and the lawmakers for six months and appointed an administrator to oversee the state.
Following the emergency declaration, at least 10 military trucks were seen patrolling the road leading to the Government House, while armored vehicles were stationed at strategic points along the route. The usually busy road from UTC Junction to the Government House was largely deserted as residents rushed to their homes, fearing possible violence.
A Port Harcourt resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the tense situation.
“The road leading to Government House from Isaac Boro Park to UTC Junction is completely deserted. People are hurrying home to avoid being caught in any crossfire. I counted about 10 military trucks moving around, and armored tanks were stationed at key entrances to the Government House,” the source said.