Rivers State will host an interdenominational thanksgiving service on Sunday to mark its political transition.
Officials say the event aims to promote unity, peace and cooperation as the state enters a new phase.
The Rivers State Government will on Sunday stage an interdenominational church thanksgiving service at the Ecumenical Centre on Abonima Wharf Road, Port Harcourt, as part of ongoing transition activities.
In a statement released on Saturday, Secretary to the State Government, Ibibia Worika, invited key stakeholders and community leaders across the state to take part in the event.
According to Worika, those expected to attend include permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, security and paramilitary chiefs, traditional rulers, board members of public institutions, and leaders from the private sector. Guests are expected to be seated by 9:30 a.m., with the service starting at 10 a.m. The Rivers Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired), will serve as the Special Guest of Honor.
The statement noted that the thanksgiving forms part of the state’s program to usher in a new phase of democratic governance. Worika explained that the government is reaching out to a wide range of stakeholders “to promote unity, peace and cooperation as Rivers State moves into its next chapter.”
President Bola Tinubu placed Rivers under emergency rule on March 18, 2025, after suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the elected House of Assembly members for an initial six-month period. The declaration came amid escalating political tensions between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The crisis saw the demolition of the House of Assembly complex and deep disputes over legislative membership and governance. Security concerns also mounted, with reports of pipeline vandalism and institutional paralysis. The Supreme Court later criticized the breakdown of order, describing the situation as “no functioning government.”
As part of emergency measures, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibas as sole administrator of the state while leaving the judiciary in place. Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, defended the emergency as a last resort to stabilise Rivers and restore constitutional order.
