The Rivers State Government has officially announced the end of emergency rule and the return to democratic governance, paving the way for the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The announcement was contained in a statement released on Saturday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika.
As part of the transition activities, the government disclosed that an interdenominational thanksgiving service will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at the Ecumenical Centre, Abonima Wharf Road, Port Harcourt. The service is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., with all guests expected to be seated by 9:30 a.m.
Dignitaries expected at the thanksgiving service include permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, heads of state security and paramilitary agencies, traditional rulers, captains of industries, as well as chairmen and members of boards and governing councils.
The Rivers Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has been named as the Special Guest of Honour.
“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.”
This development comes as Governor Siminalayi Fubara is set to return to office, following his suspension earlier this year by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the wake of the political crisis that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers.
The transition is expected to mark a new chapter for the state, with stakeholders hopeful that peace, stability, and democratic leadership will be fully restored.
