By Abiola Olawale
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has announced that the state is officially set to commence its transition process from emergency administration.
This is as Ibas announced that the transition process will begin with an inter-denominational thanksgiving service scheduled for Sunday, September 14, 2024.
This comes as Ibas is currently embroiled in an explosive accusation of allegedly orchestrating a massive financial heist amounting to about ₦23 billion.
The allegations were leveled against Ibas by the Niger Delta Advocates for Good Governance (NDAGG).
The NDAGG, a frontline coalition body advocating for ethical governance in the Niger Delta region, issued a scathing statement on September 10, 2025, criticizing Ibas’s time in government house as the “largest looting spree in the history of Rivers State.”
According to the group, Ibas has allegedly masterminded the diversion of funds from local government allocations, leaving councils starved of resources and workers at risk of delayed salaries.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that Ibas will serve as the Special Guest of Honour at the event, marking the end of six months under federal intervention.
The inter-denominational thanksgiving service will be held at the Ecumenical Centre, Abonnima Wharf Road, Port Harcourt.
The announcement was made known in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika
The statement added that the development comes as part of the Federal Government’s commitment to a seamless handover following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on March 18, 2025.
This move had suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly from office.
This was as a result of escalating political crises, including allegations of pipeline vandalism, constitutional breaches, and governance crisis.
Recall that recently, Ibas, while receiving the August 30 Local Government election report, declared that the presidential mandate given to him on March 18 had been fulfilled.
He recalled that his administration was tasked with restoring peace, stabilizing governance, and protecting vital economic assets in the state following months of political unrest.
He said: “When Mr. President entrusted me with this difficult assignment, I pledged to serve with courage and impartiality. Six months later, we have restored calm, stabilized the state, and ensured that Rivers remains a strong economic ally of the nation. While challenges remain, I can confidently say the presidential mandate has been fulfilled.”
