In a landmark address on Wednesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the cessation of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight on September 17, 2025, marking a significant step toward restoring democratic governance.
The decision follows a six-month period of suspended governance prompted by a severe breakdown in state operations, which Tinubu described as a “total paralysis of governance” in his proclamation on March 18, 2025.
The crisis stemmed from a deep rift between the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the State House of Assembly, with 27 members opposing the governor and supporting the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule. This division led to critical issues, including vandalism of oil pipelines and the inability to present an Appropriation Bill, bringing governance to a standstill. Tinubu noted that even the Supreme Court had ruled there was “no government in Rivers State” due to the conflict.
“I was obligated to invoke the powers conferred on me by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to proclaim the state of emergency,” Tinubu stated, emphasizing the necessity of the measure to prevent anarchy. The National Assembly’s approval and the support of traditional rulers and residents were pivotal in maintaining stability during this period.
Despite legal challenges, with over 40 court cases filed to contest the declaration, Tinubu defended the action as a constitutional necessity to address the “total breakdown of public order and public safety.”
He expressed optimism about the future, stating, “I am happy today that, 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 the stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance.
” 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 of it.”
Tinubu further declared, “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today. The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from 18 September 2025.”
He urged all state leaders to foster peace and cooperation, stating, “It is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. I implore all of you to let this realisation drive your actions at all times.”
This development signals a hopeful new chapter for Rivers State, with stakeholders poised to rebuild governance and deliver on democratic promises.