Tinubu Lifts Emergency Rule in Rivers State, Fubara and Assembly Members to Resume Thursday


By Efa Sunday


President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the suspension of the six-month state of emergency imposed on Rivers State, paving the way for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to return to their offices on Thursday, September 18, 2025.



Tinubu made the announcement on Wednesday through a statement released shortly after his return from vacation. He explained that a review of the situation in Rivers indicated that peace and stability had been restored among the previously warring political factions.


“I do not see why the state of emergency should continue a day longer than the six months originally pronounced,” Tinubu stated.


“It gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State shall end at midnight today, and all suspended officials shall resume duty immediately.”


Background of the Crisis


The President recalled that the emergency rule was declared to address what he described as a “total paralysis of governance” in Rivers State. According to him, sharp divisions between the executive and legislative arms of the state government had halted governance entirely.


He noted that only four lawmakers supported the governor, while 27 backed the Speaker of the House, Martins Amaewhule. This rift, he said, left the governor unable to present an appropriation bill, effectively shutting down the state’s financial and administrative operations.


“Even the Supreme Court, in its ruling on several cases filed by both arms of government, held that there was no functioning government in Rivers State,” Tinubu said.


The crisis also impacted critical economic assets, including oil pipelines that were reportedly vandalized amid the unrest.


Tinubu’s Intervention


President Tinubu explained that several attempts by him and other well-meaning Nigerians to mediate the conflict failed as both factions refused to compromise. Faced with escalating tension and the risk of anarchy, Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to declare a state of emergency in March 2025.


This led to the suspension of the governor, deputy governor, and the House of Assembly members for six months, while a caretaker administration managed the state.


Commendations and Next Steps


Tinubu praised the National Assembly for swiftly approving the emergency proclamation at the time, describing their actions as vital to restoring peace. He also expressed gratitude to traditional rulers and Rivers residents for their cooperation throughout the six-month period.


As normal governance resumes, the President urged all stakeholders to work together to rebuild trust and focus on the development of Rivers State.

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