The United Kingdom has issued a travel advisory cautioning its citizens against all non-essential travel to Rivers State and its surrounding riverine communities following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency in the state.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) warned that the democratic government in Rivers had been temporarily replaced with a military administration, urging British nationals to avoid the region unless absolutely necessary.
“On 18 March, a six-month State of Emergency was declared in Rivers State, South-South Nigeria,” the advisory stated.
“The FCDO already advises against all but essential travel to Rivers State, and against all travel to riverine areas of the State.”
President Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state legislature for six months, citing political instability following Fubara’s fallout with his predecessor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Shortly after the declaration, military personnel reportedly surrounded the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt, holding Governor Fubara and his family hostage for several hours. They were later released on Wednesday morning.
A military contingent led by retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has since taken control of the state and is expected to remain in charge for the duration of the emergency rule.
The heavy military presence has sparked widespread reactions, with notable figures such as actresses Hilda Dokubo and Ibinabo Fiberesima, along with concerned residents, voicing their support for Governor Fubara while condemning the intervention.
