By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Rivers
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has vacated the Government House in Port Harcourt, following a state of emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The move comes as retired Admiral Ekwe Ibas prepares to assume office as the new Sole Administrator of the state.
A visit to the Government House on Wednesday morning revealed a calm but heavily secured environment, with armoured personnel carriers stationed at the entrance. Security sources confirmed that there had been a complete reshuffling of the governor’s security details.
“The governor left this morning, and the new administrator is expected any moment from now. There has been a change of guard, but everything remains peaceful,” a security official disclosed.
Despite the high-level political tension, residents of Port Harcourt went about their daily activities without any sign of unrest. However, political analysts warn that the situation remains fluid, with concerns about the long-term stability of the state.
The federal government’s decision to impose a state of emergency follows months of political turmoil and allegations of pipeline vandalism in the state. Efforts to broker peace between warring political factions had reportedly failed, prompting the drastic intervention.
A resident, Mr. Boma Adebayo, expressed concern over the unfolding events. “We just want peace. Rivers people deserve stability, not political battles,” he said.
The coming days will be crucial in determining the impact of the federal government’s decision and how it will shape the political landscape of Rivers State.