In what appears to be a decisive move to establish control over the affairs of Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has revoked the ₦134 billion contract earlier awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for the renovation, retrofitting, and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex.
The State Executive Council, presided over by Governor Fubara at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Thursday, ordered the immediate refund of the ₦20 billion mobilization fee already paid to the contractor. The project was one of several hurriedly awarded by the short-lived emergency administration headed by former military chief, Rear Admiral Joseph Ibas (rtd).
The council also approved the revalidation of the bidding processes for four major contracts, including the renovation of the Secretariat Complex and the construction of reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation works in various riverine communities in Opobo/Nkoro and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas.
According to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, the Ibas-led interim administration had awarded the contracts without due process or adherence to established procurement guidelines. He noted that the current government would not endorse any project born out of illegality or haste.
“The Council has approved the revalidation of the bidding process for all four projects earlier advertised on February 19, 2025,” Dr. Ezekiel-Hart said. “Fresh advertisements will soon be published, inviting competent and experienced contractors to prequalify and submit both technical and commercial bids.”
He listed the projects to include: the construction of 4.8km reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation at Queenstown, Epellema, Oloma, and Minima in Opobo/Nkoro; 2.5km of similar works at Ndoni-Onukwu, Isikwu, and Aziazagi; and another 2.5km stretch covering Utuechi, Obiofu, Isala, Ani-Eze, and Odugri in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, in addition to the Secretariat renovation.
In a related development, the State Executive Council also approved the creation of a committee to develop proposals for establishing Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centres and ICT Laboratories across the three senatorial districts of the state. The committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor, includes the Secretary to the State Government, and Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Education, Works, Information and Communications, and Energy.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s directive that beginning in 2026, all WAEC and NECO examinations will be computer-based. She described the effort as part of Governor Fubara’s vision to prepare Rivers youths for a digital future.
On employment, the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Dr. Chisom Gbali, announced that the government has intensified efforts to create jobs and boost economic opportunities for young people. “We want to assure Rivers youths that there will be a rising tide of employment and steady waves of empowerment,” he said. “Governor Fubara is committed to promises that deliver results.”
The council also addressed recent flash floods in parts of the state. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, said immediate remedial measures have been ordered. He cautioned residents against dumping refuse in drains or building on waterways, stressing that such actions aggravate flooding.
Dr. Sirawoo emphasized that Governor Fubara’s administration is fully in control and focused on restoring transparent governance and fiscal discipline. “The Governor has made it clear: Rivers State must move forward,” he said. “With renewed energy and focus, this administration is reclaiming lost time and putting the state back on the path of sustainable growth and progress.”
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