The Rivers State Government has formally begun its transition from emergency rule back to democratic governance, with an inter-denominational Thanksgiving Service scheduled for Sunday at the Ecumenical Centre on Abonima Wharf Road in Port Harcourt.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Secretary to the State Government, Ibibia Worika, announced that the event marks the start of a broader programme to restore full civil authority in the state.
The Thanksgiving is expected to attract prominent government officials, traditional rulers, industry leaders, and security chiefs.
“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 industries, Government Officials and invited guests to the Inter-Denominational Church Thanksgiving Service, as part of transition activities to usher in Democratic Governance in Rivers State,” the statement read.
According to the programme, guests are expected to be seated by 9:30 am, with the service scheduled to begin at 10 am.
The Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), will serve as the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion.
This development comes six months after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, following a prolonged political crisis.
The President’s directive led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The emergency, initially slated for six months, was triggered by escalating tension between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The power struggle had resulted in major institutional breakdowns, including the controversial demolition of the House of Assembly complex in late 2023.
The crisis deepened amid disputes over legislative legitimacy, rising security threats particularly militant activity and pipeline vandalism and widespread concern about constitutional violations.
The Supreme Court, in a subsequent ruling, strongly criticised Fubara’s handling of the Assembly crisis, describing it as “despotism” and concluded there was “no functioning government” in the state.
To restore order, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator, tasked with overseeing the state’s affairs throughout the emergency.
While executive and legislative functions were suspended, judicial institutions remained operational.
The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, defended the imposition of emergency rule, describing it as a last-resort measure after failed mediation attempts and a thorough review of legal and security issues.
He said the federal government acted to prevent a total collapse of governance in the state.
Sunday’s Thanksgiving service is the first public event signaling Rivers State’s gradual return to normalcy.
