President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially announced the end of the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State, restoring the mandate of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and the members of the State House of Assembly. The reinstatement takes full effect from midnight today, marking the return of democratic governance in the state after months of political paralysis.
In a lengthy statement released to the public, the President explained in detail why the drastic step of declaring a state of emergency was necessary, what progress had been made during the period, and why the federal government now believes normal governance can safely resume in Rivers State.
Tinubu Explains Why Rivers Was Placed Under Emergency Rule
The President recalled that on March 18, 2025, he declared the state of emergency following a total breakdown of governance in Rivers. He explained that the relationship between the Governor and the State House of Assembly had completely collapsed, creating a severe constitutional crisis.
At the peak of the crisis, 27 lawmakers opposed the Governor while only four aligned with him. This division, coupled with persistent vandalism of vital economic assets like oil pipelines, made governance impossible. The inability of the Governor to present an Appropriation Bill to the House of Assembly left Rivers State stranded without the capacity to fund essential services. The Supreme Court, in one of its rulings, had even noted that there was “no government functioning in Rivers State.”
Efforts by the President himself and other respected Nigerians to mediate failed, as both sides refused to compromise. Tinubu said it became “painfully inevitable” to invoke Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to restore order, suspending the Governor, his deputy, and members of the House of Assembly for six months, effective from March 2025.
Achievements During the Emergency Rule
Tinubu thanked the National Assembly for swiftly approving the declaration and praised the people and traditional rulers of Rivers State for their patience during the period of federal intervention. While acknowledging dissenting voices and over 40 court cases filed to challenge the decision, he maintained that declaring the emergency was a constitutional necessity to prevent total collapse.
“It would have been a colossal failure on my part as President not to have made that proclamation,” Tinubu said, adding that the six-month suspension achieved its aim of preventing anarchy while opening the door for reconciliation and reorganisation.
Return to Democratic Governance
President Tinubu confirmed that intelligence reports now indicate a new spirit of cooperation and willingness among all political actors in Rivers State. He noted that both the executive and legislative arms are prepared to work together for peace and stability.
“This is undoubtedly a welcome development for me and a remarkable achievement for us. I therefore do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than the six months I had pronounced at the beginning,” Tinubu declared.
He then formally announced that from midnight, September 17, 2025, the state of emergency will be lifted. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, Speaker Martins Amaewhule, and all suspended lawmakers will resume their official duties on September 18, 2025.
Tinubu’s Call for Peace and Good Governance
The President used the occasion to call on governors and state assemblies across Nigeria to always prioritise peace, cooperation, and the delivery of democracy’s dividends. He reminded them that political conflicts and crises only rob citizens of progress and stability.
“I implore all of you to let this realisation drive your actions at all times,” he urged. “It is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to our people.”
He concluded his address by thanking the people of Rivers and all Nigerians for their patience and support during what he described as a “difficult but necessary” intervention.
“Nigerian democracy remains strong, and today, Rivers State returns to the path of peace and stability,” he stated.