The Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially lifted the state of emergency in oil-rich Rivers State, effective midnight on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. The announcement marks the end of a six-month period of emergency rule, which was imposed to address a constitutional crisis and a breakdown of public order in the state.
The state of emergency, which began on March 18, 2025, was a response to a prolonged political standoff between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly. The dispute had led to a “total paralysis of governance,” according to a statement from the President.
And had also been linked to security concerns, including the vandalism of critical economic assets like oil pipelines. During this period, the Governor, his Deputy, and the State House of Assembly were suspended, with a sole administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, appointed by the President to oversee the state’s affairs.
In his statement, President Tinubu expressed satisfaction with the progress made, citing a “groundswell of a new spirit of understanding” among stakeholders in the state.
He announced that Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly will resume their official duties from Thursday, September 18, 2025.
The lifting of the emergency rule is seen as a crucial step towards restoring full democratic governance and institutional stability in Rivers State.
