President Bola Tinubu yesterday ended six months of emergency rule in Rivers State, restoring Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly to office with effect from midnight, September 17.

“It gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today,” Tinubu said in a 61-word proclamation. “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.”

The decision sparked optimism across the state but also stirred political tension, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) warned Governor Fubara against defecting while the All Progressives Congress (APC) moved swiftly to court him with offers of support.

Meanwhile, at Government House, aides of departing Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas (retd.) staged a protest over alleged unpaid allowances as he prepared to leave Port Harcourt for Abuja to brief President Tinubu. His media adviser dismissed the protest videos, insisting the atmosphere remained calm.

While Deputy Governor Odu had already returned to Port Harcourt, residents awaited Governor Fubara’s arrival following his reported return to Nigeria earlier in the week.

Tinubu defended the emergency rule he declared on March 18, describing it as “inevitable” at a time of governance collapse and legislative paralysis. He said peace had now returned and intelligence reports pointed to a “new spirit of understanding, robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm” among Rivers stakeholders for a return to democratic governance.