Rivers State emergency ends as Tinubu restores democratic rule

When the clock struck midnight on 17 September 2025, a 6‑month experiment in military‑style administration officially came to an end in Nigeria’s oil‑rich Rivers State. President Bola Tinubu announced the termination of the Rivers State emergency, clearing the way for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu and the full roster of legislators to walk back into Port Harcourt’s chambers on 18 September.

How a political deadlock turned into a state of emergency

The drama began on 18 March 2025, when a bruising confrontation between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly stalled every major decision. Twenty‑seven lawmakers rallied against the governor while only four sided with him, creating a gridlock that halted budget approvals, stalled development projects and paralyzed the region’s already fragile security apparatus.

Adding fuel to the fire, the opposition faction backed a rival speaker, effectively splitting the legislative house into two competing bodies. The stalemate escalated into accusations of illegal budget presentation and alleged tampering with the composition of the assembly – claims the governor flatly denied.

Meanwhile, oil pipelines criss‑crossing the state were repeatedly sabotaged, cutting off an estimated 150,000 barrels per day and threatening the livelihood of thousands of workers. The vandalism underscored the urgency of restoring order, as the Niger Delta accounts for roughly 2.3 million barrels daily, feeding markets in China, India, the United States and Europe.

Faced with a constitutional crisis that risked spiralling into outright anarchy, President Tinubu invoked emergency powers – a tool not used since President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2013 decree in the Boko Haram‑hit northeast. Unlike the 2013 case, this declaration suspended elected officials entirely, placing the entire state under the stewardship of retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, the former chief of the navy.

Ibas, acting as sole administrator, oversaw a curfew, the deployment of extra security forces and a series of emergency orders aimed at stabilising the oil infrastructure. He also set up a technical committee to audit the disputed budget and to mediate between the governor's office and the assembly’s dissenting members.

Why the emergency ended and what it means for Nigeria

In a televised address, President Tinubu cited fresh intelligence reports that highlighted "a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, robust readiness and potent enthusiasm" among all stakeholders. He argued that when the security environment improves, the extraordinary measures that justify an emergency lose their purpose.

Within hours of the president’s announcement, Rivers’ elected officials reconvened. Governor Fubara, who had spent the six months out of the public eye, delivered a brief speech promising transparency, fiscal responsibility and a renewed focus on pipeline security. Deputy Governor Odu and Speaker Martins Amaewhule echoed the sentiment, pledging to work hand‑in‑hand with the federal government.

The reaction on the ground was palpable. Thousands gathered in front of the State House, waving flags and chanting slogans of peace. The Rivers State Elders’ Council, a respected body of traditional leaders, called on politicians and citizens alike to keep the momentum of peace, warning that any relapse could undo months of hard‑won stability.

Not everyone shared the optimism. Former gubernatorial hopeful Tonye Cole warned that the governor’s powers might be curtailed by the federal government or by a reshuffled assembly, hinting at potential legislative reforms that could limit executive authority. Still, the atmosphere remained hopeful rather than confrontational.

Economically, the decision restores confidence to investors and oil companies that have been watching the crisis with trepidation. The Niger Delta is a linchpin of Nigeria’s treasury; any prolonged disruption could shave billions off annual export revenues. With the emergency lifted, pipeline repair crews have already resumed work, aiming to restore full output within weeks.

Legal challenges, however, linger. Over 40 court cases filed across Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa question the constitutionality of the emergency declaration itself. While the president defended the move as a necessary response to a looming breakdown of law and order, opponents argue that the suspension of elected officials set a dangerous precedent.

International observers are also taking note. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) issued a statement praising the swift transition back to civilian rule, while the African Union called on other Nigerian states to learn from Rivers’ experience, emphasizing the need for "peaceful governance and respect for democratic institutions."

For the average citizen of Rivers State, the end of the emergency is more than a political headline; it’s a return to normal life. Markets that were forced to close are reopening, schools are back in session, and the nightly curfew that restricted movement is being lifted. Small traders, who had lost income during the lockdown, now anticipate a revival of commerce.

Looking ahead, President Tinubu used the occasion to issue a broader admonition to governors across the federation: "Only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government can we truly deliver the dividends of democracy to our people." His remarks underscore a federal strategy that ties political stability directly to economic performance, especially in oil‑dependent regions.

In sum, the termination of the Rivers State emergency marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s democracy. It demonstrates the federal government’s willingness to intervene decisively when a state teeters on the brink, yet also highlights the delicate balance between emergency powers and constitutional safeguards. As Rivers State steps back into civilian governance, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on how effectively its leaders can translate the newfound peace into lasting development and security.