Tinubu Ends Rivers Emergency Rule, Says No Reason for Extension
By Erewunmi Peace
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lifted the six-month state of emergency imposed on Rivers State, saying there is no justification to extend it beyond the period initially declared.
The emergency rule, which was declared in March 2025, led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The decision came amid rising political tensions, governance breakdown, and reported sabotage of oil installations in the oil-rich state.
On Wednesday, Tinubu announced the end of the special rule, reinstating the suspended officials and restoring democratic governance in Rivers.
“I therefore do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than the six months I had pronounced,” the president stated.
The lifting of the order brings relief to many Rivers residents who had expressed concern over prolonged federal intervention in state affairs.
Political observers, however, caution that while the emergency rule has ended, lingering disputes within Rivers politics remain unresolved, and stability will depend on how the state’s leaders manage the transition back to normal governance.
