President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially lifted the emergency rule in Rivers State, six months after it was first declared. The announcement was made in a statement released on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
The president directed Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended governor, to resume his official duties on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Similarly, Ngozi Nma Odu, the deputy governor, along with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, have been asked to return to their offices immediately.
The emergency rule had been imposed in the state as part of measures to address governance and security challenges. During the period of the emergency rule, state functions were overseen by federal authorities to ensure continuity of governance and public service delivery.
President Tinubu’s decision to end the emergency rule signaled a return to normal democratic governance in Rivers State and is expected to restore full operational capacity to the state’s executive and legislative arms.
Officials and residents of Rivers State have welcomed the development, describing it as a step towards stability, institutional strengthening, and the resumption of regular governance processes.
More updates on the situation are expected following the resumption of government activities on Thursday.
