By Nneka Ibe
ABUJA—President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lifted the six-month state of emergency imposed on Rivers State and ordered the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Dr. Ngozi Nma Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly.
The directive takes effect from midnight, September 17, 2025, marking the end of months of political paralysis that crippled governance in the oil-producing state.
In a nationwide address from the Presidential Villa, Tinubu said the decision followed “a new spirit of understanding and robust readiness” among key stakeholders to return to democratic rule and maintain peace.
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President Tinubu’s Full Statement
> “My fellow Nigerians,
I am happy to address you today on the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State. You will recall that on 18th March 2025, I proclaimed a state of emergency in the state after a total paralysis of governance left the Governor and the House of Assembly unable to work together.
Critical economic assets, including oil pipelines, were being vandalised, and the House of Assembly was in crisis, divided into two factions. Governor Fubara could not present an Appropriation Bill to access funds to run the state. Even the Supreme Court, in one of its judgments, held that there was effectively no government in Rivers State.
My intervention and that of other well-meaning Nigerians proved abortive as both sides stuck rigidly to their positions. It became painfully inevitable that, to arrest the drift toward anarchy, I invoked the powers conferred on me by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to proclaim the state of emergency. The Offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and elected members of the State House of Assembly were suspended for six months.
The six months expire today, September 17, 2025. I thank the National Assembly for swiftly approving the proclamation and the good people of Rivers State for their support. Though there were dissenting voices and more than 40 court cases challenging the declaration, the power to declare a state of emergency is a constitutional tool to address a breakdown of public order and safety.
I believe a harmonious relationship between the executive and the legislature is key to successful government. The people expect to reap the fruits of democracy, which cannot thrive in violence and anarchy.
I am pleased to note a new spirit of understanding and readiness for an immediate return to democratic governance. Therefore, the emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule, will resume their duties on September 18, 2025.
I remind all Governors and State Assemblies that only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good governance can we deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. Let this realisation guide your actions.
I thank you all.”
The President’s announcement signals a critical turning point for Rivers State, where political tensions and legislative deadlock have disrupted governance for half a year. Political observers say the next weeks will determine whether the fragile peace can translate into lasting stability.
