President Bola Tinubu has officially lifted the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State, clearing the way for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Nma Odu, and the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, to resume their official duties on Thursday, September 18, 2025
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The President announced the decision in a statement on Tuesday, explaining that the emergency rule, which took effect on March 18, was declared after a total collapse of governance and the fragmentation of the state legislature. He said efforts by him and other well-meaning Nigerians to mediate the political conflict at the time failed, as the rival factions refused to shift ground, causing further damage to peace and development in the state.
Tinubu noted that intelligence reports now indicate a change of atmosphere in the oil-rich state, with stakeholders demonstrating “a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm” for a democratic restart. This, he said, justified the termination of the six-month-old emergency rule.
“It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today,” the President declared.
He added that governance can only thrive in an environment of peace, order, and stability, reminding leaders across the country to keep this truth in mind while discharging their responsibilities.
“I take this opportunity to remind the Governors and the Houses of Assembly of all the States of our country to continue to appreciate that 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 always drive your actions,” Tinubu said.
With the emergency lifted, Rivers State returns to civilian-led governance six months after the President’s intervention froze normal political activities.
