President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday announced the end of the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, declaring that Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials will return to office at midnight.
The President made the declaration in a national broadcast, recalling that he imposed emergency rule on March 18, 2025, following a constitutional crisis that crippled governance in the state.
He said the intervention became necessary after the rift between the governor and the House of Assembly left Rivers without a functional government.
Tinubu explained that while four lawmakers backed the governor, 27 members supported the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, leaving the Assembly deeply divided.
As a result, the governor could not present the appropriation bill, and the Supreme Court later affirmed that the state was in a governance vacuum.
He said efforts to reconcile the warring factions at the time proved futile, which compelled him to invoke Section 305 of the Constitution to suspend the offices of the governor, deputy governor, and Assembly members.
“The six months expire today, September 17, 2025. It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State 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,” Tinubu said.
The President expressed gratitude to the National Assembly for approving the proclamation, traditional rulers, and Rivers residents for their support during the emergency period.
He also acknowledged dissenting voices who challenged the decision in court, describing it as part of democratic practice.
Tinubu noted that intelligence reports indicate a renewed spirit of cooperation among stakeholders in Rivers State, making it possible to restore democratic governance.
He urged political leaders to prioritize peace, order, and good governance in the interest of the people.