It would have been colossal failure not to declare state of emergency in Rivers — Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lifted the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, saying his earlier intervention was necessary to prevent what he described as a “colossal failure” of leadership.

The emergency rule, declared on March 18, 2025, followed a political deadlock between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, which had paralyzed governance and led to widespread vandalism of critical state assets.

Tinubu said the paralysis of the executive and legislature necessitated the emergency proclamation under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. “It would have been a colossal failure on my part as President not to have made that proclamation,” he said, adding that the measure prevented Rivers from sliding into anarchy.

Under the emergency declaration, the governor, deputy governor Ngozi Nma Odu, the Speaker Martins Amaewhule, and all lawmakers were suspended for six months. Tinubu said this step was a constitutional safeguard to restore peace and stability.

He commended the National Assembly for promptly approving the emergency rule and praised traditional rulers and residents of Rivers for supporting the intervention. While some challenged the proclamation in court, the President said such actions reflected the strength of Nigeria’s democracy, but insisted the measure was necessary to safeguard order.

Intelligence reports, Tinubu added, now indicate a “new spirit of understanding” among political stakeholders in the state. He confirmed that Fubara, Odu, Amaewhule, and all lawmakers would resume their offices on September 18, 2025.

The President urged political leaders nationwide to prioritize peace, collaboration, and harmony to deliver the dividends of democracy.

“Let this realisation drive your actions at all times,” he said.

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