President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has defended his decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State, insisting the intervention was necessary to avert a collapse of governance.
Tinubu spoke on Wednesday while lifting the six-month emergency rule, which he declared on March 18, 2025, following a political deadlock between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly. The standoff had crippled governance and triggered vandalism of critical state assets.
According to the President, the paralysis of both the executive and legislature necessitated the 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,” Tinubu said, adding that the measure prevented Rivers from sliding into anarchy.
During the emergency, Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, Speaker Martins Amaewhule, and all lawmakers were suspended for six months. Tinubu described the move as a constitutional safeguard to restore peace and stability.
He commended the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration and praised traditional rulers and residents of Rivers for supporting the intervention. While acknowledging that some challenged the proclamation in court, Tinubu said such actions reflected the strength of Nigeria’s democracy but maintained that the step was necessary.
The President disclosed that intelligence reports now indicate a “new spirit of understanding” among political stakeholders. He confirmed that Fubara, Odu, Amaewhule, and all lawmakers will resume their offices on September 18, 2025.
Tinubu urged political leaders across the country to prioritize peace, collaboration, and harmony in order to deliver the dividends of democracy.
“Let this realisation drive your actions at all times,” he said.