The Rivers State Government has announced the commencement of transition activities marking its exit from six months of emergency rule back to democratic governance.
In a statement on Saturday, the Secretary to the State Government, Ibibia Worika, said the programme would begin with an inter-denominational church thanksgiving service on Sunday at the Ecumenical Centre, Abonnema Wharf Road, Port Harcourt.
Worika noted that permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, heads of security and paramilitary agencies, traditional rulers, board chairmen and members of governing councils, captains of industry and other critical stakeholders have been invited. He added that guests are expected to be seated by 9:30 a.m. for the service, which starts at 10:00 a.m.
The Rivers Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), who was appointed to oversee the state during the emergency, will serve as the Special Guest of Honour.
Port City News earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the House of Assembly.
Also see: Rivers State Sole Administrator Receives Report on Local Government Election
The decision followed a prolonged political feud 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 and legal disputes over the legitimacy of lawmakers. The Supreme Court later faulted the governor’s handling of the Assembly, describing it as “despotic” and warning that governance had virtually collapsed.
Concerns over insecurity, including pipeline vandalism by militants, further justified the intervention. President Tinubu appointed Ibas as sole administrator, while judicial institutions remained intact.
Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, had defended the move as necessary to stabilise the state and restore constitutional order.
