Fubara, his deputy, Odu, and all Rivers Assembly members were suspended for six months by President Tinubu in March.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Rivers State Government has announced the commencement of transition from emergency rule to democratic governance.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Secretary to State Government, SSG, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, while inviting all critical stakeholders to a thanksgiving service.
In March, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months.
He made the declaration in a nationwide broadcast, saying he took the decision to restore stability in the state that has been witnessing political turmoil as a result of the disagreement between the state governor and the state lawmakers.
“By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months,” the President said.
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He went on to appoint retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s administrator to oversee governance.
However, the SSG in the statenment releaaed, said as part of the activities to return to democratic governance, an interdenominational church thanksgiving service will be held on Sunday at the Ecumenical Centre, Abonima Wharf Road, Port Harcourt.
The event is scheduled for 10 a.m., with guests expected to be seated by 9:30 a.m.
Those invited include permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, heads of security and paramilitary agencies, traditional rulers, chairmen and members of boards and governing councils, as well as captains of industry.
Worika also named Rivers Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), as the Special Guest of Honour.
The statement said: “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 invited guests to the Inter-Denominational Church Thanksgiving Service, as part of transition activities to usher in Democratic Governance in Rivers State”.
