President Bola Tinubu has announced the suspension of the state of emergency in Rivers State, directing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly to resume their duties on Thursday, September 18.
The emergency rule, declared on March 18, 2025, followed a political crisis that paralysed governance in the state and deepened tensions between the executive and the legislature. At the time, Tinubu suspended the offices of the governor, deputy governor, and state lawmakers for six months after failed interventions to resolve the impasse.
In a statement on Wednesday, the President said the constitutional measure had become necessary at the time to restore order, protect critical economic assets, and prevent anarchy.
“The power to declare a state of emergency is an inbuilt constitutional tool to address situations of actual or threatened breakdown of public order and public safety, which require extraordinary measures to return the state to peace, order, and security,” Tinubu said.
He explained that intelligence reports now show “a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding” among stakeholders in Rivers State, making it unnecessary to extend the emergency beyond the initial six months.
“With effect from midnight today, the emergency in Rivers State shall end. The governor, his deputy, and members of the House of Assembly will resume work in their offices from September 18, 2025,” Tinubu declared.
The President thanked the National Assembly, traditional rulers, and residents of Rivers State for their support during the period of emergency and urged political leaders across the country to prioritise peace and stability in the delivery of democratic dividends.
