President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the cessation of the state of emergency in Rivers State, six months after its proclamation.
Addressing Nigerians on Tuesday, September 17, 2025, the President recalled that he declared the emergency on March 18, 2025, following a breakdown of governance between the Governor and the State House of Assembly, which had left the state in paralysis.
He explained that vandalism of critical economic assets, a divided legislature, and the inability of the governor to present an appropriation bill to the House created a constitutional crisis. Even the Supreme Court, he noted, had affirmed that effective governance no longer existed in Rivers State.
Tinubu said invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, was “painfully inevitable” to prevent anarchy and restore peace, order, and security. The proclamation had suspended the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the 31-member State House of Assembly for six months, which officially lapsed today.
The President thanked the National Assembly for promptly approving the emergency, as well as traditional rulers and the people of Rivers State for their cooperation. While acknowledging dissent and more than 40 legal challenges against the declaration, Tinubu maintained that his action was necessary and constitutional.
“As stakeholders in democratic governance, we must recognize that harmony between the executive and legislature is vital. Our people expect the dividends of democracy, and those expectations cannot be met in an atmosphere of violence, anarchy, and insecurity,” the President said.
He reiterated his commitment to ensuring stability and democratic order in Rivers State and across the country.
