Fubara: Rivers Begins Transition to Democratic Governance

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

In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, stakeholders were invited to an interdenominational church service as part of the transition activities. The service is scheduled for Sunday, September 14, at the Ecumenical Centre, Abonima Wharf Road, Port Harcourt. Guests are expected to be seated by 9:30 a.m. ahead of the 10 a.m. start.

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

The emergency rule followed a political crisis sparked by the fallout between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his estranged political godfather, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The struggle for political control led to escalating tensions, including allegations that Fubara demolished the State House of Assembly.

In response, President Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) was appointed as Sole Administrator to oversee the state during the emergency period.

However, by June 2025, Wike and Fubara reconciled in a meeting that was made public during a visit to President Tinubu. Since then, Wike has consolidated his grip on the state’s political structure, especially after his allies won all seats in the recently concluded local government elections.

With the emergency rule now winding down, the government said the thanksgiving service marks the beginning of the transition back to democratic governance.

Those invited to the event include permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, security and paramilitary heads, traditional rulers, board and council members, captains of industry, and other stakeholders. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), the Rivers State Administrator, will serve as the Special Guest of Honour.