By Asuquo Cletus
President Bola Tinubu has announced the lift of the state of emergency earlier imposed on Rivers State, paving the way for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly to resume their official duties.
The lifting is coming after Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers six months ago, leading to the removal of the Governor and his deputy.
Tinubu made the declaration in a nationwide address on Wednesday six months after invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to suspend democratic institutions in the state following a protracted political crisis that paralysed governance.
The President explained that the intervention was necessary at the time to avert anarchy, citing the inability of the executive and legislative arms in the state to work together, vandalism of critical economic assets, and a breakdown of law and order that had attracted the Supreme Court’s ruling that “there was no government in Rivers State.”
He, however, expressed delight that intelligence reports indicate a renewed spirit of reconciliation and readiness among political stakeholders in Rivers, describing the development as a “remarkable achievement” for the return of peace and stability.
“With effect from midnight today, the emergency in Rivers State shall end,” Tinubu declared. “The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from September 18, 2025.”
The President thanked the National Assembly, traditional rulers, and the people of Rivers State for supporting the Federal Government’s decision during the emergency period, while acknowledging that some dissenting voices had challenged the proclamation in over 40 lawsuits across the country.
Tinubu further urged political leaders across the federation to always prioritise peace, harmony, and good governance over personal or partisan interests, stressing that Nigerians can only enjoy the dividends of democracy in an atmosphere of stability.
