Rivers State Holds Inter-Denominational Thanksgiving Service as Emergency Rule Nears End

Rivers holds Thanksgiving ahead of the Sept 18 transition.

As Rivers State approaches the official end of a six-month emergency rule, the mood in Port Harcourt has shifted from anxiety to cautious optimism. On Sunday, the Ecumenical Centre at Abonima Wharf, Port Harcourt, became the gathering point for top government officials, religious leaders, traditional rulers, security chiefs, and community stakeholders, who came together for an interdenominational thanksgiving service marking the beginning of the transition back to democratic governance.
The Thanksgiving service is not just another event on the state’s calendar; it represents a symbolic shift from military-administered governance to the restoration of elected leadership, expected to resume by September 18. For many residents of Rivers, the service is both a moment of gratitude for stability during a tense period and a hopeful step toward a brighter political future.

Thanksgiving services in Nigeria often carry deep meaning beyond religious rituals. They are platforms for communities to reflect on struggles, victories, and future aspirations. For Rivers State, the inter-denominational service organized at the Ecumenical Centre was more than just a spiritual event. It marked the first in a series of transition activities signaling the conclusion of emergency rule.
The congregation, which cut across Christians of different denominations, traditional rulers, political stakeholders, and civil society groups, prayed for peace, stability, and progress in Rivers. In his sermon, one of the officiating clergymen emphasized the importance of unity and forgiveness, urging political actors and community leaders to put aside past grievances for the greater good of the state.

“When a people gather to thank God in the face of challenges, they open the door to healing, reconciliation, and restoration. Rivers must embrace this moment as a divine opportunity for a fresh start,” he said.

The Thanksgiving service drew a remarkable attendance that reflected its importance. The state administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ekwe Ibas (rtd), who has overseen governance during the emergency period, led the delegation of top government officials.
Also present were:

• Traditional rulers representing different ethnic groups in Rivers.
• Heads of security and paramilitary agencies who played pivotal roles in maintaining order.
• Local government chairmen and permanent secretaries.
• Captains of industry and leaders of the private sector.
• Community leaders and representatives of youth and women's groups.

This broad representation underscored the collective desire for peace, reconciliation, and a seamless return to constitutional rule.

The emergency rule in Rivers was imposed six months ago following political and security crises that threatened governance. The suspension of the elected governor and legislature paved the way for military-led administration to restore order and stabilize institutions.
With the September 18 deadline fast approaching, preparations for the transition have intensified. The Thanksgiving service is part of carefully planned activities designed to usher in a smooth handover.
Vice Admiral Ibas highlighted this in his brief address during the service:

“Today’s gathering is not merely ceremonial; it is symbolic of our journey as a people. As we approach the end of emergency rule, we must remind ourselves that peace, security, and unity remain the foundation upon which democratic governance can thrive in Rivers State.”

As part of his final initiatives before the handover, Vice Admiral Ibas inaugurated a new Rivers State Pensions Board on Friday, a move welcomed by civil servants and pensioners who have endured years of unpaid entitlements.
The administrator emphasized that the new board was mandated to restore accountability, transparency, and efficiency to the pension system. This step, he explained, was necessary to address grievances that had lingered for years and to build trust between the government and retired workers.

“This administration is determined to end the culture of neglect that pensioners have suffered in Rivers. Our retirees gave the best years of their lives to the service of our state. They deserve to live in dignity, with regular access to their rightful benefits,” Ibas said.

The decision was widely commended by labor leaders and civil society groups, who see it as a significant gesture of goodwill ahead of the return to democratic governance.

For the people of Rivers, the end of emergency rule represents relief and anticipation. While the past six months have brought relative calm, the absence of elected leadership has left many residents anxious about the state’s democratic trajectory.
Markets in Port Harcourt buzzed with conversations about the thanksgiving service and the transition timetable. For traders, artisans, and ordinary citizens, the return of democratic governance means the possibility of more participatory decision-making and renewed attention to economic development.
Mrs. Nenye Eke, a retired teacher who attended the Thanksgiving service, described the atmosphere as hopeful:

“For us pensioners, the inauguration of the new pensions board gives us hope that our struggles are being heard. We pray that the new government will continue from where the administrator has stopped. We just want to live our remaining years in peace and dignity.”

One of the defining features of the emergency period in Rivers has been the strong presence of security agencies. From military checkpoints to police patrols, security forces have played a critical role in curbing violence and maintaining law and order.
At the Thanksgiving service, heads of security agencies were acknowledged for their sacrifices. Community leaders also used the platform to call for a balance between security enforcement and respect for citizens’ rights as the state transitions back to democracy.

“We thank the security agencies for standing in the gap during difficult times. However, as democracy returns, we must ensure that our people enjoy both freedom and safety in equal measure,” a community leader remarked.

The suspension of Rivers’ elected governor and legislature was one of the most controversial political decisions in Nigeria in recent years. Analysts believe the return of democratic leadership will present both opportunities and challenges.
Some key issues that will likely dominate the post-emergency political landscape include:
1. Restoring Public Confidence—After six months of military-led governance, rebuilding trust between citizens and elected officials will be a top priority.
2. Economic Recovery—Many small businesses have struggled under the uncertainty of emergency rule. Policies to revive trade and investment will be essential.
3. Pension Reforms—The newly inaugurated pensions board must deliver results to prove that the reforms were not cosmetic.
4. Security Consolidation—Ensuring that peace is sustained without military intervention will test the capacity of democratic institutions.

The Thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt may go down in history as a symbolic moment of unity for Rivers. Religious leaders from different denominations emphasized the need for forgiveness, reconciliation, and cooperation among political stakeholders.
One of the most memorable highlights of the service was the joint prayer session, where traditional rulers, politicians, security chiefs, and citizens clasped hands in solidarity. The gesture represented the collective yearning for peace and progress beyond party affiliations and personal interests.

As September 18 draws closer, all eyes will be on how Rivers State manages the delicate process of transition. While emergency rule brought stability, democratic governance carries the promise of inclusiveness, accountability, and development.
The Thanksgiving service has set the tone for what many hope will be a smooth handover. For now, Rivers stands at the threshold of a new chapter, one defined by hope, resilience, and the promise of renewal.
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The inter-denominational thanksgiving service held in Port Harcourt is more than an event to mark the end of emergency rule in Rivers State—it is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the people and their unshaken commitment to democracy.
With Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ekwe Ibas (rtd) making final reforms such as the inauguration of the pensions board, and with security agencies playing their part to stabilize the state, Rivers is set for a transition that could redefine its political future.
As the state looks forward to September 18, the message from the Ecumenical Centre resonates clearly: unity, peace, and accountability are the cornerstones of the new Rivers that its people desire.

By PrimeLineInfo