By Our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the end of the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, September 17, 2025. The state of emergency was declared on March 18, 2025, due to a total breakdown of governance, resulting from a standoff between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly.
Reasons for the State of Emergency:
– Governance Impasse: The Governor and the House of Assembly were unable to work together, causing governance to come to a standstill.
– Vandalism of Economic Assets: Critical economic assets, including oil pipelines, were being vandalized.
– Crisis in the State House of Assembly: Members were divided into two groups, with four members supporting the Governor and 27 opposing him.
Key Points from the President’s Statement:
– New Spirit of Understanding*: Tinubu noted a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding among stakeholders in Rivers State, paving the way for a return to democratic governance.
– Resumption of Duties: Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly will resume work on September 18, 2025.- Importance of Peace and Cooperation: Tinubu emphasized the need for peace, order, and good government to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people
President Tinubu’s Remarks:
“I am happy today that, from the intelligence available to me, 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.
I take this opportunity to remind the Governors and the Houses of Assembly of all the States of our country 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.
