PORT HARCOURT — The Rivers State Government has officially announced the commencement of its transition from emergency rule to democratic governance, nearly six months after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state.
In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, stakeholders have been invited to an interdenominational thanksgiving service to mark the beginning of the transition process.
The event is scheduled for Sunday, September 14, 2025, at the Ecumenical Centre, Abonima Wharf Road, Port Harcourt, with all guests expected to be seated by 9:30 a.m. The Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), will serve as the Special Guest of Honour.
President Tinubu had, on March 18, 2025, imposed emergency rule in Rivers following a fierce political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his estranged political godfather, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The fallout led to the suspension of Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire State House of Assembly. Vice Admiral Ibas was appointed to oversee the state during the six-month period.
After months of hostility, Wike and Fubara reconciled in June during a meeting with President Tinubu, paving the way for relative stability. Since then, Wike has consolidated his hold on the state’s political structure, especially after his allies swept all seats in the recently concluded local government elections.
According to the state government, Sunday’s thanksgiving service will bring together top government officials, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, security chiefs, captains of industry, and other stakeholders as Rivers prepares to return to democratic governance.
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