Port Harcourt, Nigeria | September 18, 2025
A symbolic transition unfolded on Thursday at the Rivers State Government House as caretaker administrator, Rear Admiral (rtd.) Emmanuel Ibas, formally vacated office and handed over to Governor Siminalayi Fubara following the lifting of the state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu.
Witnesses described the moment as historic and emotional, as Ibas, who was appointed to steer the state’s affairs during the emergency rule, exited the Government House after completing the handover process. He officially transferred instruments of administration back to Governor Fubara, marking the restoration of full democratic governance in the state.
Governor Fubara, accompanied by key aides and supporters, returned to his official seat of power for the first time in months. Addressing journalists shortly after, he expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for lifting the emergency rule, pledging to focus on reconciliation, governance, and the delivery of dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers.
Rear Admiral Ibas, in his remarks, thanked the federal government for entrusting him with the responsibility of stabilising Rivers during a turbulent period, noting that his administration worked towards maintaining law and order. He urged Rivers people to rally behind the governor in the interest of peace and development.
The handover signals the end of a tense chapter in Rivers politics, with residents hopeful that the state will now return to normalcy after months of federal administration.
