After six months under the emergency rule in Rivers State democratic governance is being restored Key transitional events are announced including a thanksgiving service stakeholder involvement and government confirmations as the state returns to constitutional order .
The Rivers State Government has confirmed that the six month emergency rule that has guided the state will soon come to an end marking a return to constitutional order This decision comes after the successful fulfillment of the conditions set out when the emergency was declared With this step Rivers State is moving away from central control and back into the hands of democratically elected officials .
Background to the Emergency Rule
The emergency was declared on March 18 2025 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at a time when Rivers State was experiencing one of its most severe political and social crises The tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor Nyesom Wike had escalated into open conflict leading to a breakdown of governance Disruptions to oil installations security challenges and political instability left the state on the brink of paralysis .
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As a result the elected governor deputy governor and members of the State House of Assembly were suspended and Vice Admiral retired Ibok Ete Ibas was appointed Sole Administrator to oversee the affairs of the state for six months His task was to restore order stabilize the political atmosphere and prepare Rivers State for the resumption of democratic processes .
Meeting the Conditions for Lifting the Emergency
The key conditions that would allow for a return to normal governance have now been met Most importantly elections were successfully conducted in all 23 local government areas of the state The outcome led to the swearing in of elected chairmen and councillors who are now in place to take up their roles in grassroots governance .
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission presented its official report on the smooth conduct of the elections This achievement signaled that democratic structures have been restored in line with constitutional expectations The Sole Administrator Ibok Ete Ibas noted that the central objectives of the emergency mandate had been met with the elections and the installation of local councils .
Transition Activities Ahead
As part of the handover to democratic governance a series of activities have been lined up to formally mark this transition An inter denominational thanksgiving service will be held on Sunday at the Ecumenical Centre along Abonima Wharf Road in Port Harcourt The service is scheduled to begin at ten o clock in the morning with guests expected to be seated by half past nine .
The special guest of honour at this event will be Vice Admiral retired Ibok Ete Ibas who has served as Sole Administrator for the past six months The thanksgiving will be attended by a wide range of stakeholders including permanent secretaries local government chairmen security chiefs traditional rulers industry leaders and members of various state boards and councils The Secretary to the State Government Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika explained that the service is part of the transition activities designed to usher in full democratic governance in Rivers State .
Implications of the Transition
The end of the emergency rule carries significant implications for Rivers State First it restores democracy and places power once again in the hands of duly elected leaders This will allow the people of Rivers State to see their voices and votes reflected in government decisions .
Second it is expected to bring stability and a return to normalcy With functioning local government structures service delivery at the grassroots level should improve creating a more accountable and responsive system of governance .
Third the move has a strong political message It demonstrates a commitment to constitutional order and respect for democratic institutions even after a period of suspension under extraordinary measures It also raises lasting questions about the balance between emergency powers and democratic rights and how such interventions should be used in future political crises .
Conclusion
After six turbulent months Rivers State is now set to return fully to democratic governance The elections of local councils the restoration of political structures and the planned thanksgiving service all signal a fresh beginning for the state While the emergency rule provided stability during a volatile period its lifting brings renewed hope for accountability peace and inclusive development The coming weeks will be crucial in ensuring that this transition strengthens governance and deepens the democratic process in Rivers State .