In a dramatic turn of events, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, announced the suspension of the emergency rule in Rivers State and reinstated the state’s embattled Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Tinubu, in a statement, directed the governor to resume official duties from Thursday, September 18, 2025, marking a major step toward restoring democratic governance in the oil-rich state.
🔹 Background to the Crisis
Tinubu reminded Nigerians that a state of emergency was declared on March 18, 2025, following months of paralysis in Rivers governance. A bitter rift between Governor Fubara and the House of Assembly, the vandalism of state assets, and the failure to pass the Appropriation Bill had created a constitutional impasse that ground governance to a halt.
🔹 Supreme Court’s Position & Failed Mediation
The President referenced the Supreme Court ruling, which confirmed the absence of effective governance in Rivers at the time. Despite multiple interventions from national leaders, reconciliation failed as both sides remained uncompromising.
🔹 Why Emergency Rule Was Declared
Tinubu explained that it became inevitable to invoke Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowered him to proclaim a state of emergency. This led to the suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and House of Assembly members for six months.
🔹 Role of Stakeholders
The President praised the National Assembly, traditional rulers, and Rivers citizens for backing the emergency measures, saying the action was crucial to prevent chaos and restore order.
🔹 Legal Challenges
Acknowledging more than 40 lawsuits filed against the proclamation, Tinubu defended the measure as a constitutional safeguard to prevent total collapse of governance and ensure public safety.
🔹 Restoration of Democracy
Citing fresh intelligence and a renewed willingness among stakeholders to cooperate, Tinubu declared that the state of emergency would end at midnight, September 17, 2025. Effective September 18, Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, Speaker Martins Amaewhule, and all suspended lawmakers are to resume their offices.
🔹 A Call for Peace
In closing, Tinubu urged all governors and state assemblies across Nigeria to prioritize peace, unity, and cooperation between the executive and legislative arms, warning that only such synergy can deliver the true dividends of democracy.
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