Rivers State Government Announces Thanksgiving Service as Transition to Democratic Governance Begins

The Rivers State Government has announced the commencement of activities marking its transition from emergency rule to democratic governance.

As part of the programme, an inter-denominational church thanksgiving service will be held on Sunday at the Ecumenical Centre, Abonima Wharf Road, Port Harcourt.

In a statement on Saturday, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, invited key stakeholders across the state to participate in the service. Those expected include permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, heads of security and paramilitary agencies, traditional rulers, chairmen and members of boards and governing councils, as well as captains of industry.

According to the statement, guests are expected to be seated by 9:30 am ahead of the service which begins at 10 am. The Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), was named as the Special Guest of Honour.

President Bola Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period.

The declaration followed months of political unrest between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Tensions escalated after the demolition of the State House of Assembly complex in 2023, coupled with disputes over legislative membership and legitimacy.

Security concerns further deepened the crisis, with reports of pipeline vandalism and widespread governance paralysis. The Supreme Court later criticised the governor’s handling of the Assembly as “despotism” and concluded that there was “no functioning government” in the state.

As part of the emergency measures, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibas as sole administrator to oversee state affairs, while judicial institutions remained intact. Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, defended the decision as a constitutional necessity to prevent the total collapse of governance and restore order.