President Bola Tinubu has lifted the state of emergency in Rivers State, reinstating Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly.
The president’s decision comes six months after he declared a state of emergency in the state, following a prolonged political crisis that paralyzed the functions of both the executive and legislative arms of government.
During the period of suspension, Tinubu had appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.) as the Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs in what was described as a move made in the best interest of the people of Rivers State.
The development was announced on Wednesday via an official statement released by the president through his social media handle.
According to the statement, all duly elected officials in Rivers State are expected to resume their official duties on Thursday, September 18.
He said, “As a stakeholder in democratic governance, I believe that the need for a harmonious existence and relationship between the executive and the legislature is key to a successful government, whether at the state or national level. The people who voted us into power expect to reap the fruits of democracy. However, that expectation will remain unrealizable in an atmosphere of violence, anarchy, and insecurity borne by misguided political activism and Machiavellian manipulations among the stakeholders.
“I am happy today that, from the intelligence available to me, there is a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm on the part of all the stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance. This is undoubtedly a welcome development for me and a remarkable achievement for us. I therefore do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than the six months I had pronounced at the beginning of it.
“It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today. The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from 18 September 2025.
“I take this opportunity to remind the Governors and the Houses of Assembly of all the States of our country to continue to appreciate that it is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. I implore all of you to let this realisation drive your actions at all times.
