Rivers State democratic transition begins with a thanksgiving service as the government moves from emergency rule to restored civilian governance.
The Rivers State Government has officially announced the commencement of activities marking its Rivers State democratic transition from emergency rule to full civilian governance.
This programme reflects the state’s commitment to restoring democratic institutions and fostering stability after months of political turbulence.
As part of the transition, an inter-denominational church thanksgiving service is scheduled for Sunday at the Ecumenical Centre, Abonima Wharf Road, Port Harcourt.
The service is intended as both a spiritual celebration and a civic gathering, bringing together key stakeholders responsible for guiding the state during this critical period.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Secretary to the State Government, Ibibia Worika, extended invitations to permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, heads of state security and paramilitary agencies, captains of industry, and members of boards and governing councils.
All guests are expected to be seated by 9:30 a.m., ahead of the 10 a.m. start of the service.
Highlighting the importance of the occasion, the government named the Rivers Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), as the Special Guest of Honour.
Worika emphasised that this event is a key component of the transition programme designed to usher in democratic governance.
“The Government of Rivers State is pleased to invite 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,” he said.
IREPORT247NEWS recalls that President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, March 18. The proclamation responded to growing political crises and instability within the state.
As part of the emergency measures, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly members were suspended for a six-month term.
To stabilise governance, President Tinubu appointed former Chief of Naval Staff Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator of the state.
Ibas’s six-month mandate was later ratified by the National Assembly on Thursday, March 20, providing legislative backing for the presidential proclamation.
During his tenure, Ibas was tasked with ensuring administrative continuity and preventing disruptions to public service delivery.
IREPORT247NEWS also reported that Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), provided guidance on the criteria for achieving lasting peace in Rivers State.
While acknowledging that the emergency rule prevented major crises, Wike stressed that long-term stability requires sincerity and humility from all political actors.
Speaking during a church thanksgiving ceremony in Port Harcourt to mark the 70th birthday of former federal lawmaker Ken Chikere, Wike criticised Governor Fubara, asserting that blackmail and insincerity would not restore peace.
He emphasised that genuine reconciliation could only occur if leaders displayed humility and a willingness to cooperate. “Peace cannot be restored until all sides are sincere,” Wike said.
The upcoming Thanksgiving service represents a symbolic milestone in the ongoing Rivers State democratic transition.
By bringing together government officials, traditional leaders, security heads, and influential members of society, the event aims to foster unity and collective responsibility in guiding the state toward stable governance.
Officials note that the Thanksgiving service is more than ceremonial.
It reflects a commitment to participatory governance, transparency, and collaboration among all levels. Vice-Admiral Ibas’s presence as Special Guest of Honour underscores the importance of administrative continuity and the need for cooperative governance during this delicate period.
For residents of Rivers State, the service is a sign of hope and renewal. The emergency rule created tension and uncertainty, affecting governance, investment, and social cohesion.
With the transition activities underway, citizens are optimistic that democratic institutions will be strengthened, political dialogue enhanced, and long-term stability restored.
IREPORT247NEWS notes that the success of the Rivers State democratic transition relies heavily on the sincerity and humility of all political actors.
While administrative oversight is necessary, true peace and stability require collaboration among government officials, traditional rulers, civil society, and the wider populace.
As the state prepares to fully exit emergency rule, the Thanksgiving service marks a critical step toward restored democracy.
It symbolises gratitude, spiritual reflection, and a civic commitment to accountability, unity, and good governance.
With this milestone, Rivers State signals its readiness to return to democratic norms, strengthen institutions, and create an environment conducive to stability, investment, and social progress.
The coordinated participation of key stakeholders demonstrates the shared responsibility necessary to make the transition sustainable and meaningful for all citizens.
