FUBARA REVOKES 134 BILLION NAIRA CONTRACT AWARDED BY FORMER RIVERS SOLE ADMINISTRATOR
The Rivers State Executive Council has revoked the N134bn contract awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation for the renovation, retrofitting, and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex.
The contract, which was awarded under the previous State of Emergency Administration led by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), was cancelled during the State Executive Council meeting held on Thursday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, and presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The council also directed the immediate refund of the N20bn mobilisation fee earlier paid to the contractor.
In addition, the council approved the revalidation of the bidding process for four major contracts, including the secretariat renovation and the construction of reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation works in several riverine communities in Opobo/Nkoro and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government areas.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, the projects had been previously advertised before the emergency administration cancelled the bid processes and refunded fees to interested companies.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the revoked contracts were hastily awarded without following due process.
He said the council had therefore approved the revalidation of the bidding process for all four projects initially advertised in national dailies on February 19, 2025.
“With the revalidation process now approved, fresh bidding will be advertised for competent and experienced contractors to prequalify and submit both technical and commercial bids,” Ezekiel-Hart said.
He listed the affected projects to include the construction of 4.8km reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation at Queenstown, Epellema, Oloma, and Minima communities in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area; the construction of 2.5km shoreline protection and reclamation at Ndoni-Onukwu, Isikwu, and Aziazagi communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area; and similar works at Utuechi, Obiofu, Isala, Ani-Eze, and Odugri communities within the same local government area.
He added that the renovation, retrofitting, and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex was also part of the revalidated process.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, said the council approved the constitution of a committee to develop a proposal for the establishment of Computer-Based Test Centres and ICT laboratories across the three senatorial districts of the state.
She explained that the move aligns with the Federal Government’s directive that, beginning in 2026, all examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council and the National Examinations Council will be computer-based.
The committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor, includes the Secretary to the State Government, Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Education, Works, and Information and Communications, as well as the Commissioner for Energy.
On employment, the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Dr Chisom Gbali, said the Council reviewed ongoing initiatives to create jobs for Rivers youths.
He disclosed that his ministry had been directed to develop a new framework for job creation and economic empowerment, adding, “We want to assure Rivers youths that there will be a rising tide of employment and steady waves of economic empowerment. Our governor is a man who keeps his promises.”
On flood management, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, said the Council also discussed recent flash floods in parts of the state and directed immediate remedial measures. He urged residents to stop dumping refuse into drainage and avoid building on waterways, noting that such practices worsen flooding.
Sirawoo further stated that Governor Fubara remains committed to accelerating development across the state despite previous setbacks. “The administration’s renewed focus and energy will soon place Rivers State firmly back on the path of sustainable growth and progress,” he said.
