Tinubu Lifts Emergency Rule in Rivers, Reinstates Fubara and Assembly

President Bola Tinubu has announced the end of the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State, reinstating Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly.

The decision, effective Thursday, September 18, 2025, follows what the President described as a positive intelligence report indicating improved political stability in the state.

In a nationwide address on Wednesday, Tinubu recalled that he declared the state of emergency on March 18 after a protracted political crisis paralysed governance. According to him, Rivers had descended into a constitutional deadlock, with the governor and legislature locked in disputes that halted the passage of the budget and disrupted management of state affairs.

“There was a total paralysis of governance in Rivers State, which had led to the Governor of Rivers State and the House of Assembly being unable to work together,” Tinubu said. “Critical economic assets of the State, including oil pipelines, were being vandalised. Even the Supreme Court held that there was no government in Rivers State.”

Tinubu explained that his intervention under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution was necessary to prevent a breakdown of order. He thanked the National Assembly for promptly approving the proclamation and acknowledged traditional rulers and citizens for their cooperation during the suspension of democratic institutions.

While admitting that the decision sparked over 40 legal challenges, the President said such dissent reflected democratic practice. He, however, maintained that the emergency rule was justified and unavoidable at the time.

On the decision to lift the measure, Tinubu expressed optimism that political leaders in Rivers are now ready to work together.

“From the intelligence available to me, there is a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding and potent enthusiasm on the part of all the stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance,” he said. “I therefore do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than the six months I had pronounced.”

He declared that Governor Fubara, his deputy, and Speaker Martins Amaewhule alongside all lawmakers should resume their offices immediately. Tinubu also urged political leaders across Nigeria to learn from Rivers and maintain peaceful collaboration between the executive and legislative arms.

“As stakeholders in democracy, the people who voted us expect the fruits of governance,” he said. “That expectation will remain unrealizable in an atmosphere of violence, anarchy, and insecurity borne by misguided political activism.”

The President concluded his address by reiterating his commitment to safeguarding peace and democracy nationwide.