Fubara: Rivers State Begins Transition from Emergency Rule to Democratic Governance

The Rivers State Government has officially announced the beginning of its transition from emergency rule to full democratic governance.

In a statement released by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika, all key stakeholders were invited to an interdenominational church thanksgiving service as part of activities marking the end of emergency administration in the state.

This development comes nearly six months after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State during a nationwide broadcast on March 18, 2025.

The emergency rule was introduced amid a deepening political crisis, which saw a major fallout between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his former political mentor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The power struggle over control of Rivers State’s political structure led to heightened tensions and institutional instability.

In his March address, President Tinubu expressed grave concern over the political unrest and specifically condemned Governor Fubara’s alleged demolition of the State House of Assembly complex. Subsequently, the President announced the suspension of both Governor Fubara and his deputy, Dr. Ngozi Odu, for six months. He also dissolved the Rivers State House of Assembly and appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as Administrator to manage the affairs of the state.

Following months of political tension, Fubara and Wike reconciled in June, with their reunion made public during a visit to President Tinubu. Since the reconciliation, Wike has reasserted control over the state’s political structure, with his loyalists securing all positions in the recently concluded local government elections.

As the state prepares to return to democratic governance, a thanksgiving service is scheduled to hold on Sunday, September 15, 2025, at the Ecumenical Centre on Abonima Wharf Road, Port Harcourt. The event will begin at 10:00 a.m., with attendees expected to be seated by 9:30 a.m.

According to the statement, invitees include permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, heads of security and paramilitary agencies, traditional rulers, members of boards and governing councils, captains of industry, and other dignitaries. Vice Admiral Ibas, the current state administrator, will serve as the Special Guest of Honour at the ceremony.

The statement reads in part: “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.”