•Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd) and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara
Finally, strong indications have emerged that the emergency rule in Rivers State will end on September 18, 2025, and the state will return to full democracy.
Until now, the expiration of the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu on March 18 for an initial period of six months had remained a matter of speculation and optimism in various quarters, with no official pronouncements to confirm it, reports Saturday Tribune.
Officials who were expected to know consistently denied having any information on whether the emergency rule would end or be extended, claiming they had neither heard nor received directives on the matter.
However, an announcement yesterday evening by the emergency government put the speculation to rest, giving a clear indication that Rivers State would return to democratic governance from September 18.
The announcement, signed by Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, Secretary to the State Government, was an invitation to selected stakeholders for an Inter-Denominational Church Thanksgiving Service, as part of transition activities to usher in democratic governance in Rivers State.
The statement reads in part:
“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 Industry, 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.”
According to the invitation, the thanksgiving service is scheduled for tomorrow, Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 10 a.m.
The venue is the Ecumenical Centre, Abonnima Wharf Road, Port Harcourt.
The Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retired), will serve as the Special Guest of Honour at the event.
This announcement finally confirms that the state of emergency will end on September 18.
Suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly are now expected to resume their positions, with hopes of fostering a more harmonious relationship and avoiding the kind of actions that led to six months of undemocratic emergency rule.
