Rivers State Set to End Six-Month Emergency Rule, Return to Democratic Governance

Rivers State to Lift Six-Month Emergency Rule

The Rivers State Government has announced that the six-month emergency rule imposed earlier this year will soon be lifted, signaling a return to full democratic governance in the state.

According to a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, the transition will be marked with an interdenominational thanksgiving service at the Ecumenical Centre, Abonima Wharf Road, Port Harcourt. The service is scheduled for Sunday, with guests expected to be seated by 9:30 a.m. ahead of the 10 a.m. program.

The event will have Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, Sole Administrator of Rivers State, as the Special Guest of Honour, alongside top government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders.

The emergency rule was declared in March 2025 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, leading to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state assembly, with Ibas appointed to oversee the state.