President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lifted the six-month state of emergency imposed on Rivers State, following the expiration of the proclamation that suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly.
The state of emergency, declared on March 18, 2025, was triggered by a deep political crisis between Governor Fubara and his estranged political benefactor, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The rift split the State Assembly, paralyzed governance, and threatened critical economic assets, including oil pipelines.
In a nationwide broadcast on Wednesday, President Tinubu said the measure, though painful, was necessary to prevent anarchy after all interventions failed.
He explained that the suspension of democratic institutions in Rivers was in line with Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that governance had effectively collapsed in the state.
“The six months expire today, September 17, 2025. I thank the National Assembly, our traditional rulers, and the people of Rivers State for their support during this difficult period,” the President stated.
While acknowledging dissenting voices that challenged the proclamation in over 40 court cases, Tinubu maintained that declaring the emergency was a constitutional duty to preserve order.
With the cessation of the emergency rule, Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the lawmakers are to resume office immediately, signaling a return to constitutional governance in Rivers State.
