Tinubu Lifts State of Emergency in Rivers, Declares Return to Democratic Governance

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the cessation of the state of emergency earlier declared in Rivers State, citing renewed cooperation among political stakeholders and improved prospects for peace and order.

In a nationwide broadcast on Wednesday, the President recalled that the emergency was proclaimed on March 18, 2025, following what he described as a “total paralysis of governance” in the state. At the time, Rivers was engulfed in a political crisis that pitched the Governor against the House of Assembly, leaving critical state institutions dysfunctional.

Tinubu explained that the deadlock prevented the presentation of an Appropriation Bill, stalled governance, and exposed vital economic assets, including oil pipelines, to vandalism. The deepening conflict prompted over 40 lawsuits in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa, with the Supreme Court at one point ruling that Rivers had no functioning government.

The President said invoking Section 305 of the Constitution became inevitable to restore order, adding that his decision was subsequently endorsed by the National Assembly.

“With the breakdown of public order and security, the state of emergency was a constitutional tool to safeguard Rivers people and prevent anarchy,” Tinubu said.

However, he noted that recent intelligence reports indicated a “groundswell of new understanding and enthusiasm” among stakeholders for democratic governance. According to him, both the Executive and Legislature in Rivers now appear committed to working together, creating a pathway to stability.

Tinubu declared that the emergency, which lasted six months, would lapse from midnight on September 17, 2025.

He commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, Speaker Martins Amaewhule, and other state actors for showing readiness to reconcile, while also thanking traditional rulers, citizens, and the National Assembly for their support.

“This is a welcome development for me and a remarkable achievement for us all. I see no reason why the state of emergency should exist a day longer,” the President said.

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