President Bola Tinubu has formally lifted the six-month state of emergency imposed on Rivers State, directing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and the State House of Assembly to resume their constitutional duties from Thursday, September 18, 2025.
The emergency rule, declared on March 18, 2025, under Section 305 of the Constitution, followed a bitter rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, now FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, which left governance in paralysis. Tinubu explained that the measure achieved its goal of restoring order and creating space for reconciliation between the executive and legislative arms of government.
“It gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today,” Tinubu announced.
According to the president, intelligence reports revealed a new spirit of cooperation and enthusiasm among Rivers stakeholders for a return to democratic governance. “This is undoubtedly a welcome development and a remarkable achievement for us. I do not see why the state of emergency should last a day longer than the six months initially proclaimed,” he added.
Tinubu cautioned governors and lawmakers nationwide against destructive political rivalries, stressing that peace and collaboration remain essential to delivering the dividends of democracy.
The Rivers crisis had reached a point where the governor and 27 members of the Assembly loyal to Speaker Martins Amaewhule could not work together, leaving only four legislators on Fubara’s side. Even the Supreme Court, Tinubu recalled, once ruled that the state effectively had no functional government.
Though more than 40 lawsuits were filed to challenge his proclamation, Tinubu maintained that the intervention was constitutional and necessary to prevent a drift into anarchy. He praised the National Assembly, traditional rulers, and the people of Rivers for their support, while acknowledging dissent as part of democracy.
“With intelligence available to me showing readiness for reconciliation, I am convinced Rivers State is prepared to resume democratic governance,” the president concluded.
