Rivers State is gearing up for the return of democratic rule with the commencement of transition activities under Sole Administrator Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), who announced an interdenominational thanksgiving service on Sunday as the first step toward reinstating elected officials.

The service, scheduled for September 14 at the Ecumenical Centre on Abonnima Wharf Road in Port Harcourt at 10 a.m., invites permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, heads of security and paramilitary agencies, traditional rulers, board chairmen, captains of industry, and government officials. Guests are requested to be seated by 9:30 a.m., with Ibas serving as the special guest of honor.

The announcement came via a statement from Secretary to the State Government Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, emphasizing gratitude for stability achieved during the six-month state of emergency declared on March 18, 2025. Ibas, appointed by President Bola Tinubu to stabilize the state amid political turmoil that suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the House of Assembly, declared Friday that he had fulfilled his mandate.

During the presentation of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission's (RSIEC) report on the recent local government elections, Ibas highlighted the peaceful polls and swearing-in of 23 chairmen and councilors as key milestones. "Mr. President’s mandate to me was clear: to stabilise the state, create an enabling environment for the re-establishment of its institutions, and return Rivers State back to full democratic governance. With the successful conduct and swearing-in of local government chairmen and their councils, I believe we have decisively achieved the mandate," he stated.

The transition aligns with the emergency period's end on September 18, when Fubara is expected to resume office, as hinted by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike during the August 30 local government elections.

Wike, Fubara's predecessor and political godfather, confirmed the reinstatement date post-voting, signaling reconciliation after months of tension. The crisis, rooted in a power struggle between Fubara and Wike, led to Tinubu's intervention, including the assembly's suspension and Ibas's appointment.

Recent meetings, including one between Tinubu and Ibas on September 4, underscore preparations for handover. While the local elections—dominated by Wike allies with the APC securing 20 of 23 seats—have raised questions about Fubara's post-return influence, the thanksgiving service marks a symbolic pivot to normalcy.