President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the end of the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, September 17, 2025.
Tinubu, in a nationwide address on Tuesday, said the measure became necessary in March after a constitutional crisis and governance paralysis in the state. The suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and the State House of Assembly will lapse, with all officials resuming duties on Wednesday, September 18.
The President commended the National Assembly, traditional rulers, and the people of Rivers for their support during the emergency period, while acknowledging dissenting voices who challenged the declaration in court.
He stressed that the state of emergency was an “inevitable constitutional tool” to restore peace and order, noting that intelligence reports now show readiness among stakeholders to return to democratic governance.
“I therefore do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than the six months I had pronounced,” Tinubu said.
