President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially lifted the six-month state of emergency imposed on Rivers State, directing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly to return to office on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the President said the decision to end the emergency rule was based on the restoration of peace and a renewed commitment to democratic governance in the state.
President Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, 2025, citing a total breakdown of governance and a deepening political crisis within the state’s legislative and executive arms.
At the time, the conflict had rendered the House of Assembly dysfunctional, paralyzed governance, and halted the passage of critical bills, including the state’s appropriation law.
The President explained that efforts by himself and other concerned stakeholders to mediate between the warring factions had failed, as both sides remained intransigent, jeopardizing the state’s peace and development.
However, citing new intelligence reports, Tinubu said there is now a “groundswell of understanding” and a collective will among stakeholders in Rivers State to return to democratic processes.
“Based on the intelligence at my disposal, there is a robust readiness and potent enthusiasm among all parties for an immediate return to democratic governance,” the President said. “I see no reason for the state of emergency to last a day longer than originally planned.”
Effective midnight, September 17, 2025, the state of emergency in Rivers is officially over.
Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule, are to resume official duties starting Thursday, September 18.
In his address, President Tinubu urged political leaders across the country to always prioritize peace, order, and good governance, reminding them that only in such an atmosphere can the dividends of democracy be delivered.
“You will recall that on March 18, I declared a state of emergency in Rivers due to a constitutional crisis that left the state in paralysis.
The House of Assembly was divided—with four members backing the Governor, and 27 aligned with the Speaker in opposition—making governance impossible,” Tinubu stated.
He also referenced a Supreme Court ruling at the time, which observed that effective governance had collapsed in Rivers State.
According to the President, the emergency measures, including the temporary suspension of elected state officials, were taken under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and aimed at averting a descent into anarchy.
“With the expiration of the six-month period today, and the return of peace and cooperation among stakeholders, I am pleased to announce the end of emergency rule in Rivers State,” Tinubu declared.
