President Tinubu Lifts State of Emergency in Rivers State

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially ended the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight tonight, restoring full political power to the elected state government.

The President announced the decision in a national address from the Statehouse on Thursday, citing a “new spirit of understanding” among the state’s warring political factions as the reason for the restoration.

The state of emergency was declared on March 18, 2025, following a severe political crisis that brought governance in the oil-rich state to a standstill. President Tinubu outlined the reasons for his initial proclamation, which included a total paralysis between the executive and legislative branches.

The crisis was characterized by a deep rift in the State House of Assembly, with 27 members opposing Governor Siminalayi Fubara and only four supporting him. This division prevented the governor from presenting an appropriation bill, cutting off funds to run the state’s affairs. The situation was so dire that the Supreme Court, in a related judgment, noted there was “no government in Rivers State.”

“Considered objectively, we had reached that situation of total breakdown of public order and public safety,” President Tinubu stated, defending his use of constitutional powers under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. “It would have been a colossal failure on my part as President not to have made that proclamation.”

The emergency measure suspended the offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and all members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months, which expired today.

The President acknowledged the legal challenges to his decision—over 40 cases were filed in various courts—but affirmed that such dissent is part of a healthy democracy. He thanked the National Assembly for its approval and the people of Rivers State for their support during the emergency period.

With the lifting of the emergency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and the lawmakers led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule are set to resume their duties effective Friday, September 18, 2025.

In his closing remarks, President Tinubu issued a broader warning to all Nigerian states, urging governors and legislators to prioritize harmony to deliver democratic dividends. “It is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver for our people,” he said.