President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the constitutional basis for declaring a state of emergency, stressing that the federal government has a duty to act when public order and safety are under serious threat.
Speaking on Wednesday as the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State expired, the President explained that the measure was a constitutional safeguard designed to restore peace and order in times of crisis.
“The power to declare a state of emergency is an inbuilt constitutional tool to address situations of actual or threatened breakdown of public order and public safety, which require extraordinary measures to restore peace,” Tinubu said.
Why Emergency Rule Was Declared
Tinubu recalled that on March 18, 2025, he proclaimed a state of emergency in Rivers following a political deadlock between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly. The House had split into two factions—four members backing the Governor and 27 aligning with the Speaker—paralyzing governance and preventing the passage of key bills, including the Appropriation Bill.
He noted that even the Supreme Court acknowledged that the crisis had left Rivers without an effective government. Attempts by his administration and other stakeholders to mediate, he said, proved unsuccessful.
Faced with escalating chaos, vandalism of vital oil pipelines, and threats to security, Tinubu said he was compelled to invoke Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to suspend the Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
National Assembly and Public Support
Tinubu thanked the National Assembly for swiftly endorsing the proclamation and expressed appreciation to traditional rulers and the people of Rivers State for their cooperation during the period.
He acknowledged, however, that the decision was not without opposition. Over 40 court cases were filed across Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa challenging the declaration. “That is the way it should be in a democracy,” he said, while noting that some of the cases remain pending.
Return to Democratic Governance
Citing intelligence reports, the President said stakeholders in Rivers had shown a renewed commitment to peace and democratic order, making it unnecessary to extend the emergency beyond the original six months.
“With effect from midnight today, the state of emergency in Rivers shall end. The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly will resume work on September 18, 2025,” he announced.
A Call to Leaders Nationwide
Tinubu used the occasion to remind governors and state assemblies across the federation that democratic dividends can only be delivered in an atmosphere of peace and stability.
“The people who voted us into power expect to reap the fruits of democracy. That expectation cannot be realized in an atmosphere of violence, anarchy, and insecurity driven by misguided political activism and manipulations,” he said.
The President concluded by urging political leaders at all levels to act with responsibility and put the interest of the people above personal ambitions.
