President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the end of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight on September 17, 2025.

The emergency was initially declared on March 18, 2025, following a constitutional impasse between the Governor and the House of Assembly that brought governance in the state to a standstill.

In a statement, President Tinubu said:

“I am happy today that, from the intelligence available to me, there is a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm on the part of all the stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance.”

The President thanked the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration, as well as the traditional rulers and people of Rivers State for their support. He also commended the stakeholders for their newfound spirit of cooperation, which made it possible to lift the emergency.

With effect from September 18, 2025, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly will resume work in their offices.

President Tinubu also called on all governors and state assemblies to prioritize peace, order, and good governance to ensure the delivery of democratic dividends to Nigerians.

Background:
The emergency was declared due to total paralysis in Rivers State’s government. A split in the House of Assembly, with 27 members opposing the Governor, prevented the passage of appropriation bills, leaving the state without access to funds for governance. The Supreme Court had even ruled that there was effectively no functioning government in the state.

The emergency lasted six months, during which the offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the State Assembly were suspended. Although some legal challenges were filed against the proclamation, the President emphasized that the measure was constitutionally justified to restore order and public safety.

President Tinubu concluded:

“It is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. I implore all of you to let this realization guide your actions at all times.”