The Rivers State Government has confirmed that the six-month emergency rule imposed earlier this year is set to be lifted, as the state transitions back to full democratic governance.
To mark the occasion, an interdenominational church thanksgiving service will be held on Sunday at the Ecumenical Centre, Abonima Wharf Road, Port Harcourt. Guests are expected to be seated by 9:30 a.m., ahead of the 10 a.m. service.
A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, invited critical stakeholders, including permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, heads of security and paramilitary agencies, traditional rulers, members of boards and governing councils, and captains of industry. Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has been named Special Guest of Honour.
“The Government of Rivers State is pleased to invite the Permanent Secretaries, Local Government Chairmen, Heads of State Security and Para-Military Agencies, Traditional Rulers, Chairmen and members of Boards and Governing Councils, Captains of Industries, Government Officials, and invited guests to the Inter-Denominational Church Thanksgiving Service, as part of transition activities to usher in Democratic Governance in Rivers State,” the statement read.
Vice Admiral Ibas, who was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following a prolonged political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, declared on Friday that his mandate had been fulfilled.
The announcement came during the presentation of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) report on the recently concluded council polls.
President Tinubu had declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, 2025, suspending Governor Fubara and state legislators and appointing Ibas to restore order, re-establish democratic institutions, and stabilise the state.
“With the peaceful conduct of local government elections and the swearing-in of elected chairmen and councillors across all 23 local government areas, I can confidently say the mandate has been achieved,” Ibas said.
