President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the cessation of the state of emergency declared in Rivers State, effective midnight of Tuesday, September 17, 2025.
The President, in a national broadcast on Tuesday, recalled that he invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution on March 18, 2025, following what he described as a total paralysis of governance in the state.
He said the decision became necessary after efforts by him and other Nigerians to resolve the political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state House of Assembly failed. The dispute had split the Assembly into two factions, leaving the governor unable to present appropriation bills, and prompting the Supreme Court to rule that there was effectively no functioning government in Rivers.
“As a result of the constitutional impasse, I was obligated to proclaim the state of emergency to save the state from drifting into anarchy,” Tinubu said.
The proclamation, which suspended the governor, deputy governor, and 31 lawmakers for six months, was endorsed by the National Assembly. The period formally expires today.
Tinubu commended the people of Rivers, traditional rulers, and stakeholders for their cooperation during the emergency rule. While acknowledging over 40 court cases challenging his decision, he said the measure was a constitutional safeguard to restore peace, order, and governance.
Expressing satisfaction with recent signs of reconciliation, the President declared that Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, Speaker Martins Amaewhule, and other lawmakers would resume their duties on Wednesday, September 18, 2025.
He urged political leaders across the country to learn from the Rivers crisis and prioritize harmony between the executive and legislative arms of government.
“The dividends of democracy can only be delivered in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good governance,” Tinubu stressed.
