- The Rivers State Government revoked the ₦134bn CCECC contract due to lack of due process.
- Governor Siminalayi Fubara ordered CCECC to refund the ₦20bn mobilisation fee immediately.
- The council approved a new open bidding process for major infrastructure and shoreline projects.
- Plans are underway to establish CBT Centres and ICT Labs to prepare Rivers youths for a digital future.
The Rivers State Executive Council has taken a decisive step to ensure transparency and accountability in governance by cancelling the ₦134 billion contract previously awarded to CCECC for the renovation, retrofitting, and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex.
READ ALSO: Court Fines El-Rufai and Others ₦250,000 Each Over Failure to File Defence in Ongoing Suit
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
Briefing journalists after the council meeting held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the decision came after the discovery that the project was hurriedly approved under the State of Emergency Administration without following due process.
He confirmed that the company had already received a ₦20 billion mobilisation fee, which must now be refunded immediately to the state’s treasury.
Dr. Ezekiel-Hart further revealed that the council approved the revalidation of the bidding process for four major projects that were advertised but later cancelled by the previous administration. These projects include the renovation and furnishing of the Secretariat Complex and several shoreline protection works in key riverine communities.
According to him, the new bidding process will be open, competitive, and transparent. Fresh advertisements will be placed in national dailies for qualified contractors to submit both technical and commercial bids.
The listed projects include the construction of a 4.8km reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation in Queenstown, Epellema, Oloma, and Minima communities in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, and 2.5km shoreline protection in Ndoni-Onukwu, Isikwu, and Aziazagi communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA. Other projects include shoreline protection and reclamation works in Utuechi, Obiofu, Isala, Ani-Eze, and Odugri communities.
Speaking further, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, announced that the council approved the creation of a committee to design a proposal for establishing Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centres and ICT Laboratories across the three senatorial districts.
She explained that this initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s directive that from 2026, all WAEC and NECO examinations will be computer-based. The committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor, will include the Secretary to the State Government, Permanent Secretaries from relevant ministries, and the Commissioner for Energy.
Dr. Uzoma-Nwogu stressed that this move will prepare Rivers youths for a digital future while improving the state’s education standards.
On employment, the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Dr. Chisom Gbali, stated that the council reviewed ongoing plans to boost job creation and youth empowerment. He confirmed that his ministry was tasked with developing a comprehensive framework to create more job opportunities across the state.
Dr. Gbali assured that Governor Fubara remains fully committed to empowering Rivers youths through sustainable economic programs.
READ ALSO: Mob Kills Two Suspected Armed Robbers in Surulere After Failed Escape Attempt
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the 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 action to prevent further damage.
He advised residents to avoid dumping refuse in drainage channels and building on waterways. Dr. Sirawoo added that the administration of Governor Fubara is determined to fast-track infrastructural development and set Rivers State on a path of sustainable growth.
