Tinubu Ends Six-Month State of Emergency in Rivers State, Governor Fubara and Assembly Resume Office

President Bola Tinubu has officially lifted the six-month state of emergency earlier imposed on Rivers State, confirming that Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly will return to their offices on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

In a statement issued by the Presidency on Wednesday, Tinubu explained that the emergency rule, which began on March 18, 2025, was a necessary response to what he described as a complete breakdown of governance in the state at the time.

“With effect from midnight today, the emergency in Rivers State will come to an end,” the President declared. “Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Odu, Speaker Martins Amaewhule, and the elected members of the House of Assembly will resume their duties from September 18.”

The President recalled that the crisis between the governor and 27 lawmakers loyal to the Speaker had crippled governance in the state, with even the Supreme Court acknowledging in its ruling that Rivers had effectively been left without a government.

According to Tinubu, invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) became unavoidable to prevent the state from sliding into anarchy. The intervention, which suspended the governor, deputy governor, and Assembly members for six months, was approved by the National Assembly and designed to restore peace and stability.

Tinubu also noted that more than 40 lawsuits were filed to contest the decision but insisted the step was both constitutional and necessary. “Failing to act would have been a grave dereliction of duty on my part,” he said.

Now, with the six-month period concluded, Tinubu expressed confidence in what he called a “renewed spirit of cooperation” among Rivers’ political leaders, which he believes sets the stage for a return to democratic governance.

“I am pleased to see the willingness and enthusiasm of stakeholders to move the state forward,” he remarked. “This is a positive development and a major achievement. There is no reason for the emergency to continue a day longer than originally prescribed.”

The President further urged governors and lawmakers across Nigeria to foster harmony between the executive and legislative arms in order to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

During the emergency period, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd.) served as Sole Administrator of Rivers State.