By George Ozalla
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the cessation of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, September 17, 2025. The state of emergency was declared on March 18, 2025, due to a severe constitutional impasse between the Governor and the House of Assembly, which had brought governance in the state to a complete standstill.
The impasse had resulted in the vandalism of critical economic assets, including oil pipelines, and a crisis-ridden State House of Assembly, with members divided into two opposing groups. The Governor was unable to present an Appropriation Bill to the House, hindering his ability to access funds to run the state’s affairs. The Supreme Court had even noted in one of its judgments that there was effectively no functioning government in Rivers State.
Despite initial resistance and dissenting voices, which led to over 40 court cases challenging the declaration, President Tinubu’s decision to impose the state of emergency was aimed at restoring peace, order, and security in the state. The President’s intervention and that of other well-meaning Nigerians to resolve the conflict had proven abortive, making the declaration of the state of emergency necessary.
However, with a new spirit of understanding emerging among stakeholders in Rivers State, and a robust readiness for a return to democratic governance, President Tinubu has deemed it fit to lift the state of emergency. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly will resume work on September 18, 2025.
In his statement, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of harmonious relationships between the executive and legislative arms of government, stressing that the dividends of democracy can only be delivered in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good governance. He urged governors and Houses of Assembly across the country to prioritize these values, ensuring that the progress made in Rivers State serves as a model for other states.
With the state of emergency now lifted, Rivers State is poised to return to normalcy, with stakeholders working together to drive development and progress in the state.
