President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lifted the six-month state of emergency declared in Rivers State, directing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to resume duties on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
The President, in a national statement on Wednesday, explained that his decision was informed by the restoration of peace and a renewed spirit of understanding among stakeholders in the state.
He recalled that on March 18, 2025, the situation in Rivers had degenerated into a constitutional crisis, with governance paralyzed and the House of Assembly split into factions. According to Tinubu, attempts by him and other well-meaning Nigerians to reconcile both sides failed, leaving the state without functional governance.
The crisis, he noted, had even prompted the Supreme Court to rule that there was “no government in Rivers State” due to the prolonged standoff between the executive and legislative arms. This compelled him to invoke Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to declare the emergency, suspend key officeholders, and restore order.
Tinubu thanked the National Assembly for promptly approving the proclamation, as well as traditional rulers and the people of Rivers State for their support during the emergency period.
On dissenting voices, including over 40 legal challenges filed across Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa, Tinubu remarked that such actions were part of democracy. However, he maintained that the emergency rule was necessary to avert complete breakdown of peace and governance.
Expressing optimism, the President said intelligence reports indicated a “new spirit of understanding, robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm” among stakeholders in Rivers for a return to democratic governance.
“It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today,” Tinubu announced. He urged all governors and state assemblies nationwide to embrace peace, unity, and cooperation, stressing that dividends of democracy can only thrive in an atmosphere of order.
What you should know
President Tinubu has lifted the state of emergency in Rivers State after six months, citing restored peace and unity among stakeholders.
Governor Fubara, his deputy, and lawmakers will resume September 18. The emergency was declared in March after a governance paralysis, with Tinubu invoking constitutional powers to restore order.
