United Kingdom advises citizens to avoid Rivers state over state of emergency declaration & issues travel advisory
The United Kingdom has issued a travel advisory, urging its citizens to avoid all but essential travels to Rivers State and nearby riverine communities.
The advisory followed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a six-month state of emergency in the South-South Nigerian State on March 18.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) warned that the political situation in Rivers had become unstable, noting that the state’s democratically-elected governor had been replaced by a sole administrator with military background.
“The FCDO already advises against all but essential travel to Rivers State, and against all travel to riverine areas of the State,” the notice stated.
The emergency measures were implemented after President Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the State legislature.
The move is linked to an ongoing political crisis following a rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Reports indicate that Governor Fubara and his family were briefly detained by military personnel at the Government House in Port Harcourt before being released the following morning.
A military contingent led by former Chief of Naval Staff Ibot-Ete Ekwe, the sole administrator, has since taken control of the state and is expected to remain deployed in the state for the duration of the emergency period.
Local residents, including prominent figures such as actresses Hilda Dokubo and Ibinabo Fiberesima, have expressed concerns over the heavy military presence while voicing support for Governor Fubara.
