Breaking: Tinubu Reveals Why He Lifted Emergency Rule in Rivers state

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics, election, and governance in Nigeria.

Port Harcourt, Rivers state - President Bola Tinubu has lifted the emergency rule in Rivers state, restoring Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, to office after six months suspension.

In a statement on Wednesday, September 17, by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, obtained by Legit.ng, Tinubu also directed suspended members of the Rivers state house of assembly to return to their legislative duties.

Tinubu, in a nationwide address, recalled that he declared the emergency rule on March 18, 2025, after political crisis engulfed Rivers state, pitting the governor against 27 members of the assembly loyal to the speaker while only four lawmakers backed Fubara.

He noted that the crisis rendered governance impossible and left critical economic assets such as oil pipelines vulnerable to vandalism.

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Peace returns to Rivers state

Tinubu said he halted the emergency rule because "there is a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm on the part of all the stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance."

His words:

"This is undoubtedly a welcome development for me and a remarkable achievement for us.

"I therefore do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than the six months I had pronounced at the beginning of it.

"It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today. The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from 18 September 2025."

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Furthermore, President Tinubu reminded Nigerian governors and state lawmakers to "continue to appreciate that it is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to our people." He implored them to "let this realisation drive your actions at all times."

Cole speaks on Fubara's return

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers state, Tonye Cole, said Fubara will have ‘zero’ powers when his suspension is lifted.

According to him, Fubara would find himself in a difficult situation.

The APC chieftain stated that Fubara would not be able to make any decision as a governor without interference.

Source: Legit.ng