A brief but intense moment of tension broke out on Wednesday morning at the Government House as security operatives clashed during preparations for the Administrator’s unexpected trip to Abuja.
According to a reliable source familiar with the incident, the confrontation began when government protocol staff were assembling the convoy for the Administrator’s urgent departure to the airport. The source, who asked not to be named, disclosed that the protocol team had informed the security personnel that the Administrator was heading to the Port Harcourt International Airport for an emergency trip to Abuja.
However, the situation quickly escalated when some security officers misinterpreted the move as a permanent relocation of the Administrator back to the capital. This misunderstanding sparked outrage among a group of aggrieved officers, who believed their longstanding financial entitlements were being ignored.
Eyewitnesses said that one visibly angry officer began chanting in protest, drawing the attention of others and creating a scene. Several operatives joined the demonstration, demanding the immediate settlement of their unpaid allowances. A video of the incident was later shared on social media, further amplifying the unrest.
The commotion drew the attention of a senior security officer stationed within the facility, who rushed out to de-escalate the situation. After engaging with the protesting operatives, he clarified that the Administrator was only traveling temporarily for an emergency meeting in Abuja and would return shortly.
Following assurances from the senior official, calm was eventually restored. No violence was reported, and the trip proceeded as planned.
As of the time of filing this report, the Administrator’s convoy remains on standby at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, awaiting his return.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, although it is understood that senior staff and personnel at the Brick House are fully aware of the events.