Peace Returns As Presidency Lifts Emergency Rule in Rivers State

My fellow Nigerians, and in particular, the resilient people of Rivers State,

I address you today on a matter of national importance the conclusion of the state of emergency that was declared in Rivers State. On 18th March 2025, I proclaimed the state of emergency after carefully assessing the crisis in the state. At the time, governance had completely broken down. The Governor and the State House of Assembly could not work together, vital economic assets including oil pipelines were being vandalised, and the Assembly itself was divided into hostile camps.

Out of 31 legislators, only four aligned with the Governor while 27 stood with the Speaker. This bitter division made it impossible for the Governor to present an Appropriation Bill, thereby crippling the state’s finances and day-to-day administration. The Supreme Court, in ruling on the disputes, even concluded that Rivers State had effectively ceased to have a functioning government. Despite efforts by my office and other well-meaning Nigerians to reconcile the parties, neither side was willing to shift ground.

Faced with this grim reality, and to prevent a slide into chaos, I had no choice but to exercise the constitutional powers vested in me under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. Consequently, I suspended the Governor, the Deputy Governor, and all members of the House of Assembly for six months in the first instance. That period of six months comes to an end today, September 17, 2025.

Let me, at this point, express gratitude to the National Assembly for promptly reviewing and approving my proclamation in the best interest of peace and stability. I equally thank the traditional rulers and the people of Rivers State for their patience, resilience, and cooperation during this difficult phase.

It is true that some Nigerians opposed the emergency measure and pursued legal challenges in various courts across Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa. That is their right in a democracy. But I must emphasize that the declaration was not a choice it was a necessity. The power to proclaim a state of emergency exists to safeguard peace, order, and public safety when ordinary mechanisms fail. To have ignored the situation in Rivers would have amounted to dereliction of duty on my part.

As a democrat, I firmly believe that harmony between the executive and legislative arms of government is essential for progress. Our citizens expect governance, not endless conflict. That expectation cannot be met in an environment poisoned by hostility, anarchy, or political manipulation.

Today, however, I am encouraged. Reports available to me indicate a renewed spirit of cooperation and a willingness among all stakeholders in Rivers State to return to democratic governance in good faith. This is a victory for peace, dialogue, and the resilience of our democratic institutions.

In light of this, I am pleased to announce that the state of emergency in Rivers State will lapse at midnight today. Effective from 18th September 2025, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, Speaker Martins Amaewhule, and all members of the State House of Assembly will resume their constitutional duties.

As I bring this address to a close, I urge all Governors and State Assemblies across Nigeria to always remember that peace, stability, and responsible governance are the bedrock of democracy. Only in such an environment can we deliver real development and the dividends of democracy to our people.

Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.