‎Rivers State Government has announced that it has commenced activities to mark its transition from emergency rule to democratic governance.

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

‎In a Saturday statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Ibibia Worika, the government invited critical stakeholders across the state to attend the service.

‎With the Rivers Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), as the Special Guest of Honour at the thanksgiving, invitees include, permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, heads of state security and paramilitary agencies, traditional rulers, chairmen and members of boards and governing councils, as well as captains of industry.

‎According to the statement, all guests are expected to be seated by 9:30 am ahead of the service which will begin at 10 am.

‎Worika said,” 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.”

‎Recall that President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025.

‎He suspended the state Governor, sir Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

‎The emergency rule followed amid a deep political crisis in Rivers involving Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike (now FCT Minister).

‎In the process of the conflict, the House of Assembly complex was demolished in late 2023. The fallout also included disputes over legislative membership and legitimacy.

‎In a bid to maintain calmness, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired) as the sole administrator to run the affairs of the state during the emergency while judicial institutions were left intact.

‎Meanwhile, few months ago, Wike stated that peace had been restored in Rivers following his visit to the president with Fubara.

‎To celebrate the transition from emergency rule to democratic government, the state government would be engaging a church thanksgiving on Sunday.