President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lifted the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State, announcing the full restoration of democratic governance six months after the political crisis in the state triggered the drastic measure.
In a statement on Wednesday, Tinubu declared that the emergency rule would end at midnight on September 17, 2025, clearing the way for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Nma Odu, Speaker Martins Amaewhule, and members of the State House of Assembly to return to office from September 18.
The state of emergency was proclaimed on March 18, 2025, following a breakdown in governance caused by a prolonged conflict between the executive and legislative arms of the state government. Tinubu explained that the intervention became necessary after repeated attempts to reconcile both sides failed.
He said the temporary suspension of the governor, his deputy, and lawmakers helped stabilise the state and prevent it from sliding into chaos, while thanking the National Assembly, traditional rulers, and residents of Rivers State for their cooperation during the period.
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Acknowledging dissenting voices who challenged the proclamation in court, the President insisted that the move was constitutional and taken to safeguard public order and security at the peak of the crisis.
Tinubu expressed confidence that political leaders in Rivers State have now embraced dialogue and a new spirit of cooperation, which influenced his decision not to extend the emergency beyond the initial six months.
“It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State 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 including the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from 18 September 2025,” the statement read in part.