Port Harcourt – Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), has begun formal transition activities ahead of the return to democratic governance, six months after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state.
The Government announced on Saturday that part of the transition will include an interdenominational thanksgiving service on Sunday, with all critical stakeholders invited by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika.
Receiving the report of the August 30 local government elections, Ibas declared that the presidential mandate handed to him on March 18 had been fulfilled.
“When Mr. President entrusted me with this difficult assignment, I pledged to serve with courage and impartiality. Six months after, we have restored calm, stabilized the state, and ensured Rivers remains a strong economic ally of the nation. While challenges remain, I can confidently say the presidential mandate has been fulfilled,” Ibas stated.
He expressed gratitude to security agencies, civil servants, community leaders, and Rivers residents for their cooperation during what he called a “trying but purposeful” period.
Background
Tinubu imposed emergency rule on March 18, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the House of Assembly amid a deepening political crisis. Ibas, a retired naval chief, was appointed sole administrator to restore order.
The move drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders and civil society groups, who described it as an erosion of democratic norms.
The six-month emergency rule is set to expire on Thursday, September 18, paving the way for Fubara’s reinstatement.
