President Bola Tinubu has announced the immediate end of the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State. The declaration takes effect from midnight, September 17, 2025.
From Thursday, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and Speaker Martins Amaewhule, with all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, will return to office.
Tinubu addressed Nigerians in a national statement: “I am happy to address you today on the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State. You will recall that on 18th March, 2025, I proclaimed a state of emergency in the state.”
He explained that governance had collapsed in Rivers earlier this year. “There was a total paralysis of governance in Rivers State, which had led to the Governor of Rivers State and the House of Assembly being unable to work together,” the president said.
Why Emergency Rule Was Declared
According to Tinubu, critical oil pipelines were vandalised and the Assembly was split into two warring groups. Only four lawmakers worked with Governor Fubara, while 27 others backed the Speaker.
He noted that the governor could not even present an appropriation bill, leaving the state adrift. “Even the Supreme Court held that there was no government in Rivers State,” he reminded the nation.
Tinubu said all interventions failed, forcing him to invoke Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to suspend the governor, deputy governor, and lawmakers for six months.
Rivers Set for Return to Democracy
Today, Tinubu declared the conflict resolved. “From the intelligence available to me, there is a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm on the part of all stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance.”
He thanked the National Assembly, traditional rulers, and Rivers citizens for their support. He also acknowledged dissenters who challenged the declaration in over 40 court cases, saying that was part of democracy.
Tinubu ended with a warning to all state governors and legislators: “It is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy. Let this realisation drive your actions at all times.”
Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article and Follow us on our social media handles. You can also Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
