The Rivers State Government has announced the start of activities to mark its transition from emergency rule back to democratic governance.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Secretary to the State Government, Ibibia Worika, said an inter-denominational church thanksgiving service will be held on Sunday at the Ecumenical Centre, Abonima Wharf Road, Port Harcourt.
He invited key stakeholders, including permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, heads of security and paramilitary agencies, traditional rulers, board members, and captains of industry. Guests are expected to be seated by 9:30 a.m. for the service, which begins at 10 a.m.
Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), who has administered the state since the declaration of emergency rule, will serve as Special Guest of Honour at the event.
President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state House of Assembly for six months. The decision followed months of political turmoil, including a bitter rift between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The crisis escalated after the demolition of the House of Assembly complex in 2023, disputes over legislative membership, and rising insecurity linked to militant activity and pipeline vandalism.
The Supreme Court later criticised the Fubara administration’s handling of the Assembly, describing it as “despotism” and ruling that governance had effectively collapsed in the state.
Tinubu subsequently appointed Ibas as sole administrator while leaving judicial institutions intact. Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, defended the intervention as necessary to restore constitutional order and prevent further breakdown of governance.
