Rivers Emergency Rule ends as Ibas bows out, Fubara resumes leadership

The six-month emergency administration in Rivers State officially ended at midnight on Wednesday, September 17, with retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas performing his final duties before leaving office.

As part of his last engagements, Ibas on Wednesday evening supervised the swearing-in of Mrs. Inyingi Brown as the substantive Head of Service of Rivers State. Brown, who had been serving in an acting capacity following the resignation of George Nwaeke, was urged by Ibas to extend the same loyalty she showed his interim administration to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

At 7 a.m. on Thursday, Ibas’ farewell address was broadcast across local stations, marking the end of his stewardship. He highlighted the restoration of calm, peace, and renewed public trust in government as the cornerstone of his tenure, while calling on the incoming leadership to consolidate on that foundation.

President Bola Tinubu had on Wednesday declared an end to the emergency rule imposed on March 18, 2025, after a political crisis engulfed the state, paving the way for Fubara’s return to office.