Rivers returns to civilian rule after 6-month emergency
President Bola Tinubu has officially reinstated Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the leader of Rivers State, ending the six-month state of emergency declared earlier this year.
The emergency, which began on March 18, 2025, saw Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Nma Odu, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly suspended from office. Retired Navy Chief Ibok Ete Ibas was appointed Sole Administrator during the period.
Why the emergency was declared
In a national address on Wednesday, Tinubu said the drastic measure was necessary due to a complete breakdown of governance in the state. The conflict between the executive and legislative arms had made it impossible to pass a budget or maintain public order.
“There was a total paralysis of governance in Rivers State,” Tinubu said, explaining that violent divisions in the House of Assembly, vandalism of critical infrastructure like oil pipelines, and political deadlock led to the intervention.
Tinubu: “I couldn’t ignore the crisis”
Tinubu referenced a Supreme Court judgment that stated there was “no government in Rivers State” at the time. He said repeated efforts at mediation failed and that using constitutional emergency powers was his only option to avoid further chaos.
Political reset begins September 18
With the emergency expiring on September 17, Tinubu said there’s now “a new spirit of understanding” among political players in the state.
As of Thursday, September 18, 2025:
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Governor Siminalayi Fubara will resume duties
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Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu will return
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The Rivers State House of Assembly, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule, will reconvene
A message to other states
Tinubu used the occasion to remind other state governments that democracy only works in an environment of “peace, order, and good governance.”
“The people who voted us into power expect to reap the fruits of democracy,” he said. “That expectation will remain unrealized in an atmosphere of violence, anarchy, and insecurity.”
