Fubara Gears for Reinstatement as Rivers Governor
The Rivers State Government has announced that the six-month emergency rule, imposed earlier this year, will soon be lifted, marking a return to full democratic governance, hence making the return of Siminalayi Fubara to continue his administration as governor of the state.
To commemorate this transition, an interdenominational thanksgiving service is scheduled for Sunday at the Ecumenical Centre on Abonima Wharf Road, Port Harcourt, starting at 10 a.m., with guests requested to be seated by 9:30 a.m.
Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, Secretary to the State Government, extended invitations to key stakeholders, including permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, security agency heads, traditional rulers, board members, and industry leaders. Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, will be the Special Guest of Honour.
The statement reads: “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 guests to the Inter-Denominational Church Thanksgiving Service, as part of transition activities to usher in Democratic Governance in Rivers State.”
Vice Admiral Ibas, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu amid a prolonged political conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike, announced on Friday that his mandate has been fulfilled.
This statement followed the presentation of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) report on the recently concluded local government elections.
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers, suspending Governor Fubara and state legislators, and appointing Ibas to restore stability and democratic institutions.
Ibas stated: “With the peaceful conduct of local government elections and the swearing-in of elected chairmen and councillors across all 23 local government areas, I can confidently say the mandate has been achieved.”
