Rivers State Set for Return to Civil Rule as Emergency Administration Winds Down

Rivers State is preparing to transition from emergency administration back to democratic governance, nearly six months after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state.

In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, the government announced an interdenominational thanksgiving service scheduled for Sunday, September 14, at the Ecumenical Centre, Abonima Wharf Road, Port Harcourt. The event, billed to commence at 10 a.m., will serve as a symbolic step towards the restoration of democratic structures.

President Tinubu had, in a national broadcast on March 18, 2025, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the State House of Assembly members following a political crisis that erupted between Fubara and his former political ally, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. The fallout had plunged the state into weeks of unrest, prompting the President to appoint Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as Administrator to oversee affairs.

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Although the emergency rule curtailed democratic governance, political dynamics shifted when Fubara and Wike reconciled in June during a meeting with President Tinubu. Since then, Wike’s camp has regained firm control of the state, underscored by sweeping victories for his allies in the recently conducted local government elections.

Sunday’s thanksgiving service is expected to attract top government officials, security chiefs, traditional rulers, captains of industry, and other stakeholders. Vice Admiral Ibas, who steered the state through the six-month transition, has been listed as Special Guest of Honour.

According to the state government, the thanksgiving marks the beginning of activities to “usher in full democratic governance” in Rivers State.