President Tinubu Lifts State of Emergency in Rivers, Governance Resumes September 18

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the immediate end of the state of emergency in Rivers State, declaring that democratic governance will resume fully from midnight, September 17, 2025.

In his address, the President expressed satisfaction with the progress made, noting “a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm on the part of all stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance.”

With the lifting of the emergency rule, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule will officially resume their duties on September 18, 2025.

President Tinubu emphasized that peace and order remain the foundation of delivering democratic dividends, urging all governors and state assemblies across Nigeria to ensure stability in their respective domains.

“It is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. I implore all of you to let this realization drive your actions at all times,” the President stated.

The declaration marks the end of the six-month emergency initially imposed in Rivers State, signaling a new chapter of governance and reconciliation in the region.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.