President Bola Tinubu has announced the end of the emergency rule in Rivers State, effective midnight, September 17, 2025. The state of emergency was first declared on March 18, 2025, following a constitutional standoff between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the House of Assembly that paralyzed governance.
In a statement, President Tinubu expressed optimism, noting that intelligence reports indicated a “new spirit of understanding, robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm” among stakeholders in Rivers State for the restoration of democratic governance.
He thanked the National Assembly for backing the declaration, while also appreciating traditional rulers and residents of Rivers for their patience and support during the crisis. The President further commended state stakeholders for embracing dialogue, which paved the way for lifting the emergency rule.
Effective September 18, 2025, Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly will officially resume their duties.
Tinubu urged governors and assemblies across the federation to uphold peace, order, and good governance, stressing that only then can the dividends of democracy be delivered to Nigerians.
The lifting of the emergency rule is widely seen as a welcome relief for Rivers residents, who have endured months of uncertainty under the prolonged political deadlock.
