Abuja – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, effective from midnight, 17 September 2025.
The move follows the expiration of the six-month state of emergency declared in the state on 18 March 2025, which suspended the executive and legislative arms after a prolonged political crisis paralysed governance.
Tinubu explained that the intervention became necessary after a breakdown in relations between the governor and lawmakers left Rivers without an appropriation law, while critical state assets, including oil pipelines, came under threat.
He said the emergency rule had been endorsed by the National Assembly and helped stabilise the situation, despite multiple legal challenges filed against the proclamation.
The President noted that intelligence reports now indicate a renewed commitment among stakeholders to restore democratic governance, making it unnecessary to extend the emergency.
“As of midnight today, the emergency in Rivers State shall end. Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Odu, Speaker Martins Amaewhule and members of the House of Assembly will resume their offices from 18 September 2025,” Tinubu declared.
He urged all state governors and assemblies nationwide to prioritise harmony and stability, stressing that “only in an atmosphere of peace, order and good governance can the dividends of democracy be delivered to our people.”