by Ògbéni Ọláwálé Dáwódù
President Bola Tinubu has officially lifted the state of emergency in Rivers State, announcing a full return to democratic governance and directing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly to resume their duties starting Thursday, September 18.
The President made the declaration in a statement issued Wednesday in Abuja, citing the restoration of peace and normalcy in the state following months of political instability.
“It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers shall end with effect from midnight today,” President Tinubu said.
He added: “The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from Sept. 18.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state of emergency was declared on March 18 amid escalating political tensions and a breakdown in governance within the oil-rich state.
With calm now restored, Tinubu underscored the importance of institutional stability and a return to constitutional order.
“The people of Rivers State deserve peace, progress, and a functioning democratic structure,” he noted. “We are confident that the leadership in the state will rise to the occasion and deliver.”
The transition back to civilian governance follows the tenure of the sole administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, who was appointed by Tinubu to oversee the state during the emergency period. Ibas, who has led the state since March, marked the end of his stewardship with an interdenominational thanksgiving service on Sunday in Port Harcourt.
Tinubu praised Ibas for his service, stating, “Vice Admiral Ibas provided steady leadership at a turbulent time. We thank him for his dedication and service to the nation.”
With the emergency rule lifted, Rivers State is expected to return to full political activity under the leadership of Governor Fubara.
