Korede Abdullah 
Siminalayi Fubara
LAGOS, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has approved the lifting of the state of emergency imposed in Rivers State, effective from 12:00 a.m. on Thursday.
The decision comes after weeks of heightened security operations and political intervention in the state, with the Presidency affirming that normal governance structures are to resume fully under Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Presidency on Wednesday, Tinubu asked Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended governor, to resume work on Thursday, September 18.
The President also asked the Deputy Governor, Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to resume their duties.
Tinubu, while lifting the state of emergency in the oil rich state on Wednesday, said, “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.”
Political analysts say the spotlight now shifts to Governor Fubara, who is expected to demonstrate strong leadership in stabilizing the state after the disruption.
They noted that he must prioritize reconciliation, strengthen security cooperation, and address the socio-economic grievances that fueled the crisis.
“The end of the emergency should not mean a return to old hostilities.
The governor has to build trust and show that the state can move forward peacefully,” observed Ms. Funke Cole who spoke with Africa Health Report on Wednesday.
The emergency rule in Rivers was declared on March 18, 2025, following violent clashes between rival political groups that left several people dead and disrupted government institutions.
With its lifting, attention now turns to whether the lessons from the crisis will guide the state towards lasting peace and political stability.
About the Author
Chukwu Obinna 
Otamere Gladness 
Oluwafunbi Bello 