President Tinubu Lifts State of Emergency in Rivers State After Six Months

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially announced the conclusion of the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, reinstating the previously suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly, effective September 18, 2025.

The state of emergency was initially declared on March 18, 2025, when President Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in response to a severe constitutional crisis and a complete breakdown of governance. This decision came in the wake of intense political conflict between the state’s executive and legislative branches, which had rendered democratic governance ineffective.

In a national address from the State House, President Tinubu stated:

“It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today. The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from 18 September 2025.”

The President noted that recent intelligence showed a renewed “spirit of understanding and robust readiness” among all political stakeholders in the state to return to democratic norms.

He expressed gratitude to the National Assembly, traditional rulers, and the people of Rivers State for their patience and support during the emergency period, despite over 40 court cases filed in opposition to the proclamation.

President Tinubu used the occasion to issue a stern reminder to all state governors and Houses of Assembly nationwide:

“It is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. I implore all of you to let this realisation drive your actions at all times.

The end of the emergency marks a critical turning point for Rivers State politics, which has been marred by deep-seated rivalries and governance paralysis. With elected officials returning to their roles, expectations are high for renewed peace, development, and service delivery.