The Rivers State Government has announced the commencement of events to usher in a transition from emergency rule to democratic governance.
As part of the programme, an inter-denominational thanksgiving service will be held on Sunday at the Ecumenical Centre, Abonnema Wharf Road, Port Harcourt.
In a statement on Saturday, Secretary to the State Government, Ibibia Worika, invited stakeholders across the state, including permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, board members, and captains of industry.
According to the government, guests are expected to be seated by 9:30 a.m. ahead of the service, which begins at 10 a.m.
The state administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), will attend as Special Guest of Honour.
President Bola Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the state House of Assembly.
The decision followed months of political turmoil between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the FCT.
Tinubu appointed Ibas as sole administrator during the emergency while leaving the judiciary intact.
The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, defended the move as necessary to restore constitutional order after what the Supreme Court described as a “collapse of governance” in the state.