Fubara cancels N134bn secretariat contract awarded by Ibas

The Rivers State Executive Council has officially rescinded a substantial N134 billion contract previously awarded to the China Civil Engine...

The Rivers State Executive Council has officially rescinded a substantial N134 billion contract previously awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). This contract concerned the comprehensive renovation, retrofitting, and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex.

The decision to revoke the contract, initially granted under the prior State of Emergency Administration led by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), was made during a recent State Executive Council meeting. Governor Siminalayi Fubara presided over the session at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

Furthermore, the council has mandated the immediate return of the N20 billion mobilization fee that had already been disbursed to the contractor.

In addition to the contract revocation, the council has sanctioned the revalidation of the bidding process for four significant contracts. These include the aforementioned secretariat renovation project, as well as the construction of reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation works in several riverine communities situated within the Opobo/Nkoro and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government areas.

According to a statement, these projects were initially advertised before the emergency administration opted to cancel the bid processes and reimburse fees to the interested companies.

Concerns Over Due Process

Following the meeting, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, informed reporters that the revoked contracts were awarded hastily, allegedly without adhering to proper due process.

He stated that the council has approved the revalidation of the bidding process for all four projects that were originally advertised in national newspapers 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 explained.

Projects Under Reconsideration

He provided a detailed list of the projects affected by this revalidation, which includes:

• Shoreline Protection in Opobo/Nkoro: The construction of a 4.8km reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation project in the Queenstown, Epellema, Oloma, and Minima communities within the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area.

  • This project aims to mitigate the impact of coastal erosion and protect these vulnerable communities from the encroaching sea. The use of reinforced concrete is intended to provide a durable and long-lasting solution.

  • Shoreline Protection in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni: The construction of a 2.5km shoreline protection and reclamation project in the Ndoni-Onukwu, Isikwu, and Aziazagi communities within the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.

  • Similar to the Opobo/Nkoro project, this initiative seeks to safeguard communities from the detrimental effects of shoreline erosion. The reclamation aspect of the project suggests an effort to restore lost land and create new areas for development.

  • Additional Works in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni: Further shoreline protection and reclamation works in the Utuechi, Obiofu, Isala, Ani-Eze, and Odugri communities, also located within the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.

  • This demonstrates a comprehensive approach to addressing shoreline erosion issues across multiple communities within the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni region. The specific details of these works will likely be outlined in the new bidding process.

  • Rivers State Secretariat Complex Renovation: The renovation, retrofitting, and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex.

  • This project, which was the subject of the revoked contract with CCECC, is now back on the table for bidding. The scope of work includes a complete overhaul of the existing structure, incorporating modern design elements and updated furnishings.

ICT Development in Education

Dr. Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, announced that the council has approved the formation of a committee tasked with developing a proposal for the establishment of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers and ICT laboratories across the three senatorial districts of the state.

She emphasized that this initiative is in direct response to the Federal Government's directive mandating that all examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) be computer-based starting in 2026.

The committee, which will be headed by the Deputy Governor, comprises key figures including 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.

Job Creation and Economic Empowerment

Dr. Chisom Gbali, the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, reported that the Council has been reviewing existing initiatives aimed at creating employment opportunities for young people in Rivers State.

He revealed that his ministry has been instructed 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."

Addressing Flood Management

Dr. Honour Sirawoo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, stated that the Council also addressed the recent flash floods that have affected parts of the state. The council has directed the implementation of immediate remedial measures to alleviate the impact of the flooding.

He urged residents to refrain from dumping refuse into drainage systems and to avoid constructing buildings on waterways, emphasizing that these practices exacerbate flooding.

Sirawoo further affirmed Governor Fubara's unwavering commitment to accelerating development across the state, despite previous challenges. "The administration’s renewed focus and energy will soon place Rivers State firmly back on the path of sustainable growth and progress," he concluded.