President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally lifted the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State, declaring that democratic governance will resume in the oil-rich state from Wednesday, September 18.
In a national broadcast on Tuesday, the President said the six-month suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly had “achieved its purpose” of averting anarchy and restoring stability.
Tinubu recalled that the emergency rule was declared on March 18, 2025, following what he described as a “total paralysis of governance” in the state. The deep political rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the House of Assembly had stalled budget passage, disrupted governance, and fuelled insecurity, including vandalism of vital oil pipelines.
“The Supreme Court itself had held that there was effectively no government in Rivers State,” Tinubu said, adding that efforts by his office and other mediators to reconcile the warring factions had failed, making the constitutional intervention unavoidable.
During the six-month emergency period, the offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and Speaker Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly were suspended, while the Federal Government assumed control of governance in the state.
The President commended the National Assembly for promptly endorsing the proclamation, and praised traditional rulers and residents of Rivers State for their patience and support throughout the period.
Tinubu noted that over 40 court cases had been filed to challenge the declaration but stressed that emergency powers were a constitutional tool “to restore peace, order and security when governance collapses.”
He expressed satisfaction that political actors in Rivers now appeared ready to work together, describing the new mood as “a groundswell of understanding, enthusiasm and commitment to democracy.”
“Accordingly, I see no justification for the state of emergency to last a day longer than the six months initially proclaimed,” he announced. “From midnight today, the Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the State House of Assembly will resume their constitutional responsibilities.”
The President also used the opportunity to caution other states against political brinkmanship. “It is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good governance that democracy can thrive and our people can enjoy its dividends,” he warned.
The lifting of the state of emergency marks the end of a turbulent chapter in Rivers politics, and all eyes will now be on Governor Fubara and the Assembly to see whether reconciliation will translate into stability and development for the state.
