The Rivers State Government has announced the beginning of the transition from emergency rule back to democratic governance.
In a statement, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, invited key stakeholders to a church service marking the start of the transition process.
According to reports, this development comes nearly six months after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state.
President Tinubu made the announcement in a nationwide broadcast on March 18, 2025, amid a political crisis triggered by a fallout between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his former political godfather, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The conflict over control of Rivers State’s political resources escalated into a major showdown between Wike and Fubara.
In his broadcast, President Tinubu expressed serious concern over the turmoil, accusing Governor Fubara of demolishing the State House of Assembly.
Consequently, the President suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, for six months.
He also suspended all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as Administrator to manage the state’s affairs.
Following months of tension, Wike and Fubara publicly reconciled during a visit to President Tinubu in June.
Since then, Wike has consolidated his control over the state’s political landscape, especially after his allies won all seats in the recent Local Government Elections.
With the emergency rule set to end, the government plans to hold an interdenominational church thanksgiving service on Sunday at the Ecumenical Centre, Abonima Wharf Road, Port Harcourt.
The service will begin at 10 a.m., with guests expected to be seated by 9:30 a.m.
Invited guests include permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, heads of security and paramilitary agencies, traditional rulers, board chairmen and members, as well as business leaders.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), the Rivers State Administrator, will serve as the Special Guest of Honour for the event.
It read: “The Government of Rivers State is pleased to invite 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 Industry, Government Officials, and invited guests to the Inter-Denominational Church Thanksgiving Service, as part of the transition activities to usher in democratic governance in Rivers State.”
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