President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally ended the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, effective from midnight on 17 September 2025, restoring the offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the State House of Assembly to full operation.
The emergency, initially declared on 18 March 2025, followed a complete paralysis of governance in Rivers State, marked by an entrenched conflict between the Governor and the House of Assembly. Critical economic assets, including oil pipelines, were being vandalised, and the State House of Assembly was divided, with four members supporting the Governor while 27 opposed him. The constitutional deadlock prevented the presentation of an Appropriation Bill, effectively halting the state’s operations. The Supreme Court had also recognised the situation as a total breakdown of government.
Invoking the powers of Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, President Tinubu suspended the offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the elected members of the House of Assembly for six months. During this period, the National Assembly, traditional rulers, and the people of Rivers State were acknowledged for their cooperation and support in maintaining peace and order.
President Tinubu noted that, despite dissenting voices which led to over 40 legal challenges in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa, the constitutional provision for declaring a state of emergency was necessary to restore public order and safety. He stressed that democratic governance relies on harmony between the executive and legislative arms, adding that the prolonged conflict had threatened the delivery of dividends of democracy to the people.
Drawing on intelligence reports, the President expressed optimism that a new spirit of understanding and readiness now exists among all stakeholders in Rivers State, paving the way for an immediate return to democratic governance. Accordingly, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, members of the State House of Assembly, and Speaker Martins Amaewhule will resume their duties from 18 September 2025.
President Tinubu also reminded governors and state legislatures nationwide that peace, order, and good governance are essential for delivering democratic dividends, urging them to allow this realisation to guide their actions at all times.
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