- Tinubu lifts Rivers State emergency, restores democratic governance.
- Fubara, deputy, Assembly to resume offices September 18.
- President urges peace, unity among governors and legislators.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the immediate lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State, restoring full democratic governance six months after the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the announcement was made in a statement issued on Tuesday, September 17, 2025, from the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Tinubu declared that the emergency rule, which took effect on March 18, 2025, under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, had achieved its purpose of stabilising governance in the state.
He explained that the intervention became necessary after protracted disputes between Governor Fubara and the State Assembly stalled budget approvals and threatened critical economic assets. “We had reached a situation of total breakdown of public order and safety in Rivers State. It would have been a colossal failure on my part not to act,” Tinubu said.
The President expressed gratitude to the National Assembly, traditional rulers, and Rivers residents for their support during the emergency, while also commending those who challenged the proclamation in court, describing it as a healthy democratic exercise.
Tinubu noted that peace and cooperation had since returned to the state, paving the way for the restoration of democratic institutions. “With effect from midnight today, the emergency in Rivers State shall end. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and Speaker Martins Amaewhule with other Assembly members will resume their constitutional duties from September 18, 2025,” he declared.
He further urged leaders across the country to embrace dialogue and prioritise harmony in governance. “It is only in an atmosphere of peace, order and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to our people,” he said.
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