In a significant development that signals the restoration of political stability in Rivers State, Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially lifted the State of Emergency imposed on the state. In a statement released by the Presidency, the President declared that peace has been restored in Rivers State, paving the way for the resumption of normal governance. The announcement, made on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, directed the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, to return to their respective offices and resume their official duties starting Thursday, September 18, 2025.
The statement, which was widely circulated across media platforms, emphasized the President’s confidence in the resolution of the political crisis that had previously necessitated the emergency measures. A portion of the statement reads: “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today. The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from 18 September 2025.”
This decision marks a turning point in the political landscape of Rivers State, which has been embroiled in a prolonged and highly publicized conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the immediate past governor of the state and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The lifting of the State of Emergency is seen as a step toward reconciliation and the restoration of full democratic governance in the state, which has been a focal point of political tension in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone.
Background of the Crisis in Rivers State
To fully understand the significance of President Tinubu’s decision, it is essential to revisit the events that led to the imposition of the State of Emergency in Rivers State. The political crisis in Rivers State began to escalate shortly after Governor Siminalayi Fubara assumed office on May 29, 2023, following his victory in the 2023 gubernatorial election. Fubara, a protégé of Nyesom Wike, was expected to maintain the political structure established by his predecessor. However, tensions quickly emerged between the two leaders, leading to a bitter feud that destabilized the state’s political environment.
The conflict was primarily rooted in a struggle for control over the political machinery of Rivers State, a key oil-producing state with significant economic and strategic importance in Nigeria. Nyesom Wike, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, had built a formidable political structure in the state, which he leveraged to secure Fubara’s candidacy and eventual victory. However, disagreements over governance style, appointments, and policy decisions led to a rift between the two leaders. Wike, now a powerful figure in President Tinubu’s administration as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, was accused of attempting to exert undue influence over Fubara’s administration, a claim that sparked widespread controversy.
The feud manifested in several ways, including disputes over the control of the state’s chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to which both leaders belonged at the time, and disagreements over key appointments and projects. The situation deteriorated further when factions of the Rivers State House of Assembly became polarized, with some lawmakers aligning with Fubara and others remaining loyal to Wike. This led to a series of dramatic events, including an attempted impeachment of Governor Fubara by a faction of the Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, who was seen as a close ally of Wike.
The political crisis reached a boiling point in late 2023 when violence erupted in parts of the state, including an alleged arson attack on the Rivers State House of Assembly complex. The unrest prompted President Tinubu to intervene, citing the need to restore order and prevent further escalation. In December 2023, the President brokered a peace deal between Fubara and Wike, which included an eight-point resolution aimed at resolving the crisis. The agreement required the withdrawal of impeachment proceedings against Fubara, the reinstatement of Wike-aligned lawmakers, and the recognition of Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the House.
However, the peace deal failed to achieve lasting stability, as both parties accused each other of violating the terms of the agreement. The situation further deteriorated in 2024, with renewed clashes between supporters of Fubara and Wike, leading to disruptions in governance and public safety concerns. The crisis culminated in President Tinubu’s decision to impose a State of Emergency on Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the members of the State House of Assembly. The emergency rule was intended to stabilize the state and allow for a neutral administration to address the underlying issues fueling the conflict.
The Imposition of the State of Emergency
The declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State was a rare and drastic measure, reflecting the severity of the political crisis. Under the Nigerian Constitution, a State of Emergency can be declared by the President, with the approval of the National Assembly, in situations where there is a breakdown of public order and safety, or when the state government is unable to function effectively. The imposition of the emergency rule effectively suspended the democratic institutions of Rivers State, placing the state under federal control for a specified period.
During the emergency period, an administrator was appointed to oversee the governance of Rivers State, while the elected officials, including the governor, deputy governor, and state lawmakers, were temporarily relieved of their duties. The move was met with mixed reactions. Supporters of the decision argued that it was necessary to prevent further chaos and restore order, while critics, including some opposition parties and civil society groups, described it as an overreach of federal power and a threat to democratic principles.
The emergency rule also had significant implications for the residents of Rivers State, particularly in terms of governance and service delivery. With the state’s political leadership sidelined, there were concerns about delays in policy implementation, infrastructure development, and the provision of essential services. The economic impact was also notable, as Rivers State is a major contributor to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, and any disruption in governance could have ripple effects on the national economy.
President Tinubu’s Role in Resolving the Crisis
President Tinubu’s decision to lift the State of Emergency reflects his administration’s commitment to restoring democratic governance in Rivers State and fostering reconciliation among the warring factions. The President has played a pivotal role in mediating the conflict, leveraging his position as the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his influence within the broader Nigerian political landscape.
Throughout the crisis, Tinubu has emphasized the importance of dialogue and compromise in resolving political disputes. His earlier intervention in December 2023, which resulted in the eight-point peace agreement, demonstrated his willingness to engage with all stakeholders to find a lasting solution. Although the initial agreement did not fully resolve the conflict, it laid the groundwork for subsequent negotiations that ultimately led to the lifting of the emergency rule.
The President’s statement on September 17, 2025, suggests that significant progress has been made in addressing the root causes of the crisis. While the details of the negotiations leading to the lifting of the emergency rule have not been fully disclosed, it is evident that the federal government, in collaboration with key stakeholders in Rivers State, has worked to restore trust and cooperation among the state’s political leaders.
Implications of Lifting the State of Emergency
The lifting of the State of Emergency has far-reaching implications for Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole. For one, it signals the return of democratic governance to the state, allowing elected officials to resume their constitutional duties. Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Odu, and the members of the State House of Assembly will now have the opportunity to address pressing issues facing the state, including infrastructure development, security, and economic growth.
The decision also has political implications for the relationship between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike. While the lifting of the emergency rule suggests that some level of reconciliation has been achieved, it remains to be seen whether the underlying tensions between the two leaders have been fully resolved. The success of Fubara’s administration moving forward will depend on his ability to navigate the complex political dynamics in Rivers State and maintain a working relationship with Wike and his allies.
Furthermore, the restoration of the State House of Assembly’s functions is a critical step toward ensuring legislative oversight and accountability in Rivers State. The Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, will play a key role in passing laws, approving budgets, and addressing the needs of the state’s residents. However, the Assembly’s ability to function effectively will depend on the willingness of its members to put aside factional differences and work in the interest of the state.
For the residents of Rivers State, the lifting of the emergency rule brings hope for improved governance and service delivery. The state has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including insecurity, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits. With the return of elected officials, there is an opportunity to address these issues and chart a path toward sustainable development.
Reactions to the President’s Decision
The announcement of the lifting of the State of Emergency has elicited a range of reactions from stakeholders across Nigeria. Political leaders in Rivers State, including members of the PDP and APC, have expressed cautious optimism about the development. Some have commended President Tinubu for his leadership in resolving the crisis, while others have called for sustained efforts to ensure lasting peace.
Civil society organizations and advocacy groups have also weighed in on the decision. Many have welcomed the return to democratic governance but have urged the federal and state governments to address the root causes of the crisis, including issues related to political godfatherism and the equitable distribution of resources. There have also been calls for greater transparency in the governance of Rivers State to prevent a recurrence of the conflict.
On social media platforms, particularly X, Nigerians have shared their views on the development, with some expressing relief that the crisis appears to be nearing an end, while others remain skeptical about the long-term prospects for peace. Posts on X have highlighted the need for Governor Fubara to assert his authority while maintaining a delicate balance with Wike’s influence.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
As Rivers State transitions back to full democratic governance, several challenges and opportunities lie ahead. One of the primary challenges is rebuilding trust among the state’s political actors. The protracted conflict has left deep divisions, and it will require deliberate efforts to foster unity and cooperation. Governor Fubara will need to demonstrate inclusive leadership, engaging with all stakeholders, including those aligned with Wike, to ensure stability.
Another challenge is addressing the socio-economic issues that have been exacerbated by the political crisis. Rivers State is a resource-rich state, but it faces significant challenges, including youth unemployment, environmental degradation due to oil exploration, and inadequate infrastructure. The Fubara administration will need to prioritize these issues to deliver tangible benefits to the people of Rivers State.
On the other hand, the lifting of the emergency rule presents an opportunity for Rivers State to reset its political and developmental agenda. With the return of elected officials, there is a chance to implement policies and programs that address the needs of the state’s residents. The state’s strategic importance as a hub of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry also positions it to attract investment and drive economic growth.
Conclusion
President Bola Tinubu’s decision to lift the State of Emergency in Rivers State marks a significant milestone in the resolution of the political crisis that has gripped the state. By directing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to resume their duties, the President has demonstrated a commitment to restoring democratic governance and fostering peace in the state.
The road to full reconciliation and stability in Rivers State may still be fraught with challenges, but the lifting of the emergency rule provides an opportunity for the state’s leaders to work together in the interest of their constituents. As Rivers State moves forward, the focus must be on inclusive governance, equitable development, and the restoration of trust among political actors. The people of Rivers State, and indeed Nigeria as a whole, will be watching closely to see how this new chapter unfolds.
This development underscores the importance of dialogue, compromise, and strong leadership in resolving political conflicts. It also serves as a reminder of the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, even in the face of significant challenges. As Rivers State embarks on this new phase, there is hope that it will emerge stronger, more united, and better positioned to fulfill its potential as a key player in Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.
