Rivers State kicks off transition to democracy with thanksgiving

Rivers State has officially commenced its transition from emergency rule to democratic governance. The process was announced by the State Government on Saturday, September 13, 2025, after more than six months under a state of emergency that began on March 18 of the same year. V

The transition will formally begin with an inter-denominational thanksgiving service scheduled for Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The venue is the Ecumenical Centre on Abonnima Wharf Road, Port Harcourt.

Guests are asked to be seated by 9:30 a.m. Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, the Secretary to the State Government, issued the invitation in an official statement.

Invited to the service are key stakeholders in the state: permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, heads of state security and paramilitary agencies, traditional rulers, captains of industry, chairmen and members of boards and governing councils, government officials, and other invited dignitaries. Vice-Admiral Ibas will serve as the Special Guest of Honour.

Fulfilled Mandate and Handover Plans

During a presentation of the report from the August 30 Local Government elections, Ibas declared that the presidential mandate given to him on March 18 has been fulfilled.

He recalled that his administration was charged with restoring peace, stabilizing governance, and protecting economic assets in the state following months of political unrest.

He said that with the successful conduct of the local government elections and the swearing-in of elected chairmen and councilors across the state’s 23 local government areas, one major plank of the mandate has been accomplished.

The thanksgiving service is part of a larger set of transition activities aimed at handing gubernatorial control back to elected officials and ending the period of emergency administration. Authorities expect democratic governance to fully return by September 18, 2025.

Ibas expressed appreciation to security agencies, civil servants, traditional rulers, community leaders, and all residents of Rivers State for their cooperation during what he described as a “trying but purposeful” period. While he acknowledged that challenges remain, he said stability has largely been restored.

This move marks a key turning point for Rivers State after months of emergency rule following political disputes. The transition process will be observed closely by stakeholders across the state and beyond as Rivers prepares for the reinstatement of democratic institutions and elected leadership.