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

In a statement released by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, stakeholders across the state were invited to an interdenominational church service scheduled for Sunday, September 14, at the Ecumenical Centre, Abonima Wharf Road, Port Harcourt. The thanksgiving service, which starts at 10 a.m., will form part of activities marking the end of the emergency rule.

The emergency administration was imposed nearly six months ago after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, 2025. The decision followed a bitter political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his former political ally, now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The face-off between both leaders triggered widespread tension, with the President accusing Fubara of demolishing the State House of Assembly. In response, Tinubu suspended the governor, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected lawmakers in the state, while appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Administrator to oversee affairs.

Tensions eased in June after Wike and Fubara reconciled during a visit to the President in Abuja. Since then, Wike’s allies have consolidated control of the state’s political structure, especially through recent local government elections.

According to the SSG’s statement, the Thanksgiving service will be attended by permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, security and paramilitary chiefs, traditional rulers, board members of government institutions, captains of industry, and other invited guests. The State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibas, will serve as the Special Guest of Honour.

The event, the government noted, will officially usher in a new phase of democratic governance in Rivers State after months of emergency rule.