The Rivers State Government has officially announced the beginning of its transition from emergency rule back to democratic governance.
In a statement released on Friday, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika, said the state would hold an interdenominational church thanksgiving service to mark this important development.
The thanksgiving service is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 15, 2025, at the Ecumenical Centre located on Abonima Wharf Road, Port Harcourt. The event will start at 10:00 a.m., and all invited guests are expected to be seated by 9:30 a.m.
According to the SSG, the event is part of a series of transition activities organised by the state government to formally move from a period of emergency rule to a democratically-run administration under Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), who is the Rivers State Administrator during the emergency rule, will serve as the Special Guest of Honour at the thanksgiving service.
The statement reads in part: “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 Industry, Government Officials and other invited guests to the Inter-Denominational Church Thanksgiving Service, as part of transition activities to usher in democratic governance in Rivers State.”
This announcement marks a significant turning point for Rivers State, which has been under a form of emergency political arrangement for months due to deep political tensions and power struggles within the state.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who took office in May 2023, has been at the centre of a prolonged political crisis, particularly with his predecessor and former political ally, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The conflict led to the breakdown of normal democratic processes, forcing a more controlled and emergency-style administration to maintain stability. During this period, the state functioned under tighter security and political oversight, with the military and top civil service officials playing key roles in day-to-day governance.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), a respected former Chief of Naval Staff, was appointed to oversee the administrative affairs of the state, helping to keep essential government functions running smoothly.
The return to democratic governance means that the elected leadership under Governor Fubara will now take full charge of government operations, including the reinstatement of full executive powers, legislative oversight, and local government autonomy.
Sunday’s thanksgiving event is not just a religious gathering—it symbolizes hope, unity, and a new beginning for the people of Rivers State.
Many stakeholders in the state, including traditional rulers, business leaders, and heads of government agencies, are expected to attend the service. Their presence is a sign of collective support for the restoration of normal democratic processes in the state.
As Rivers State prepares to turn a new page, the thanksgiving service serves as both a reflection on past challenges and a celebration of renewed democratic hope.
