President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally announced the cessation of the state of emergency in Rivers State, six months after it was declared in March 2025.

In a nationwide broadcast on today, the President explained that the intervention, declared under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), became necessary at the time due to a “total paralysis of governance” in the state. He recalled that sharp divisions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly had led to a constitutional impasse, vandalisation of economic assets, and the inability of the governor to present appropriation bills.

Tinubu noted that the Supreme Court had previously affirmed that “there was no government in Rivers State,” a situation which compelled his proclamation.

“The six months expire today, September 17, 2025. It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today.”

He confirmed that Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, Speaker Martins Amaewhule, and members of the State House of Assembly will resume their offices with immediate effect.

While acknowledging dissenting voices and over 40 pending court cases challenging the proclamation, Tinubu maintained that declaring the emergency was a constitutional duty to forestall anarchy.

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

The President urged all state executives and legislatures across the federation to work in harmony, stressing that “only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government can the dividends of democracy be delivered.”