President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday announced the end of the state of emergency in Rivers State, a measure he had imposed six months ago to quell a constitutional crisis that had paralysed governance. The decision, effective from midnight on Wednesday, paves the way for the immediate return of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other suspended officials to their duties.
In a statement released to the public, President Tinubu confirmed that the six-month period of the emergency, which commenced on March 18, 2025, had officially expired. He explained that the initial declaration was a "painfully inevitable" step taken to prevent a total breakdown of public order and safety in the state, citing the inability of the governor and the State House of Assembly to work together. The political impasse, which stemmed from a bitter feud between the governor and his predecessor, had stalled key governmental functions and left critical economic assets vulnerable.
The presidential proclamation had resulted in the suspension of the offices of Governor Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Nma Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule. During this period, governance was managed by an interim administrator appointed by the federal government.
President Tinubu expressed satisfaction with the progress made, stating that "a new spirit of understanding" and "potent enthusiasm" for a return to democratic governance now existed among stakeholders in Rivers State. He credited the cooperation of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, and the people of the state for the successful de-escalation of the crisis. He also acknowledged the dissenting voices and legal challenges that emerged against the proclamation, describing such actions as a normal part of a democratic setting.
With the lifting of the emergency, Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the members of the State House of Assembly are scheduled to resume their official duties on Thursday, September 18, 2025. This marks the full restoration of democratic institutions in Rivers State following a turbulent period of political instability. The President concluded his statement by urging governors and state legislatures nationwide to prioritise harmony and peaceful governance to ensure the delivery of democracy's dividends to citizens.