Tinubu Lifts Rivers Emergency Rule, Asks Fubara, Lawmakers to Resume Duties

President Bola Tinubu has formally lifted the state of emergency in Rivers State, clearing the path for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly to return to their official roles starting Wednesday, September 18.

The presidential directive takes effect from midnight today, marking the end of a six-month emergency rule that was imposed on March 18, 2025. 

The extraordinary measure was taken after months of political turmoil in the state, where divisions between the governor and the majority of lawmakers crippled governance.

Explaining the rationale behind the initial decision, President Tinubu said the political standoff had degenerated into a constitutional breakdown that left critical state institutions paralysed. 

“At the peak of the crisis, the governor could not present a budget, the assembly was split, and vital economic assets were left vulnerable,” he recalled.

According to him, despite mediation efforts, neither side was willing to compromise, leaving him with no choice but to invoke constitutional powers under Section 305 to impose emergency rule. 

The suspension of the governor, deputy governor, and state lawmakers followed, with their offices placed under temporary freeze to restore order.

Tinubu noted that the situation has now changed, citing improved cooperation among political stakeholders and a renewed commitment to governance in Rivers. 

“From the intelligence available to me, there is now a robust readiness and new spirit of understanding for a return to democratic governance,” he said.

The president stressed that the resumption of normal governance was a significant step forward and urged other states to learn from Rivers’ ordeal. 

“We must remember that only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good governance can democracy truly deliver dividends to our people,” he added.

With the suspension lifted, Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and Speaker Martins Amaewhule are set to fully resume duties alongside other lawmakers, signaling the end of what many analysts described as one of the state’s most turbulent political chapters.