President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday announced an end to the emergency rule in Rivers State, which he declared on March 18, 2025, following the political crisis in the state.

Ibas issued a state broadcast on Wednesday shortly after the six-month emergency rule ended.

The curtain fell on the six-month emergency administration in Rivers State at midnight on Wednesday, September 17, as the outgoing administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, performed his last official duty before formally bowing out of office.

At a ceremony on Wednesday evening preceding his exit, Ibas supervised the swearing-in of Mrs. Inyingi Brown as the substantive Head of Service of Rivers State. Brown had been serving in an acting capacity since the resignation of the former Head of Service, George Nwaeke.

Ibas charged her to offer Governor Siminalayi Fubara the same loyalty she gave to the interim administration when she served in an acting capacity.

At 7 a.m. on Thursday, the outgoing administrator’s address was aired across local broadcast stations, officially announcing his exit.

Ibas outlined his achievements, particularly the restoration of calm and the reestablishment of public confidence in government. He stated that peace was the cornerstone of his stewardship and urged the incoming leadership to consolidate on that foundation.