By Correspondent in Abuja.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally announced the end of the state of emergency in Rivers State, declaring that democratic governance will resume in the state effective midnight of September 17, 2025.
The President made the declaration in a national broadcast on Tuesday, citing improved understanding among political actors in the state and renewed readiness to restore democratic order.
Tinubu recalled that the drastic measure was taken on March 18, 2025, following what he described as a “total paralysis of governance” in Rivers, marked by a bitter standoff between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly.
The impasse, he noted, had halted legislative processes, disrupted governance, and threatened public order.
He explained that the suspension of the governor, deputy governor, and lawmakers for six months was necessary to prevent anarchy, stressing that his action was guided by the powers vested in him under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.
Tinubu acknowledged the support of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, and citizens of Rivers State during the emergency period, while also recognising the dissenting voices that challenged the proclamation in court.
“Democracy thrives on contestation, and it would have been a colossal failure on my part as President not to act in the face of a breakdown of public order and safety,” he maintained.
With governance set to resume, the President directed Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, Speaker Martins Amaewhule, and all lawmakers to return to office on September 18.
Tinubu urged leaders at all levels to embrace peace, unity, and collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government, stressing that only in an atmosphere of stability could Nigerians enjoy the dividends of democracy.
“As a stakeholder in democratic governance, I believe that a harmonious relationship between the executive and legislature is key to a successful government. Our people deserve peace, order, and good governance, not violence or Machiavellian manipulations,” he stated.
The President appealed to state governors and assemblies across the federation to draw lessons from the Rivers crisis and work in harmony to sustain Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
