The Rivers State Executive Council has cancelled a ₦134 billion contract awarded during the state’s period of emergency rule under former sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ikot Ete Ibas (retd), for the reconstruction of the State Secretariat complex in Port Harcourt.
The contract, initially granted to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), was nullified during the Council’s meeting on Thursday. As part of the decision, the Council directed the construction firm to refund the ₦20 billion mobilisation fee it had already received.
The project had been a subject of scrutiny following concerns about transparency and procedural irregularities during the emergency administration.
READ ALSO: Rivers assembly moves to probe Ibas over N254bn spending during emergency rule
In other decisions taken at the meeting, the Council approved the formation of a six-member committee, chaired by Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, to identify suitable locations for the establishment of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the state. These centres aim to improve access to external examinations for students.
Additionally, the state’s flood control committee, also led by Prof. Odu, was directed to implement urgent interventions in flood-prone areas. The Council urged residents to stop blocking drainage systems, warning that such actions worsen the impact of seasonal flooding.
More updates to follow.
