President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially ended the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State. He explained that the intervention earlier this year was necessary to prevent what he called a “major leadership failure.”

The emergency rule was first declared on March 18, 2025, after a political deadlock between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly. This disagreement had halted government work and caused damage to important state properties.

Tinubu said the conflict between the state’s executive and legislative branches made the emergency necessary, citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. “Not declaring the emergency would have been a huge mistake,” he said, adding that it helped prevent Rivers State from falling into disorder.

During the emergency, Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, Speaker Martins Amaewhule, and all state lawmakers were suspended for six months. The President described this action as a constitutional step to bring peace and stability back to the state.

He also praised the National Assembly for quickly approving the emergency and thanked traditional rulers and residents for supporting the move. Although some people challenged the decision in court, Tinubu said this shows Nigeria’s democracy is strong, but the emergency was needed to protect order.

According to intelligence reports, Tinubu said there is now a “new spirit of cooperation” among political leaders in Rivers. He confirmed that Fubara, Odu, Amaewhule, and all lawmakers will return to their offices on September 18, 2025.

The President urged all political leaders in Nigeria to focus on peace, teamwork, and unity to deliver the benefits of democracy. “Let this understanding guide your decisions always,” he added.