JUST IN: Rivers State Cancels N134bn Contract Awarded by Sole Administrator
- The Rivers State Executive Council nullified a ₦134 billion contract awarded under emergency rule for the reconstruction of the State Secretariat in Port Harcourt
- China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation was ordered to refund ₦20 billion previously paid as mobilisation for the cancelled project
- A new committee chaired by Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu was approved to oversee the development of Computer-Based Test centres and flood mitigation efforts across the state
The Rivers State Executive Council has officially cancelled a ₦134 billion contract previously awarded for the reconstruction of the State Secretariat complex in Port Harcourt.
The contract, which had been granted to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) during the emergency rule period under Vice Admiral Ikot Ete Ibas (retd), was nullified during the Council’s meeting held on Thursday, October 16.
Source: Facebook
According to the Council, the contract was awarded by the former sole administrator without due process.
In a decisive move, the Council directed CCECC to refund the ₦20 billion mobilisation fee that had already been disbursed for the project.
Computer-based test centres committee approved
In a bid to bolster educational infrastructure, the Council approved the formation of a six-member committee tasked with identifying suitable locations for the construction of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across Rivers state.
The initiative is aimed at supporting external examinations and improving access to digital testing facilities.
The committee will be chaired by Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, who is expected to lead the assessment and provide recommendations on optimal sites for the centres.
Flood control measures ordered by Rivers State council
The Executive Council also addressed the pressing issue of flooding in the state. It mandated the state’s flood control committee, also headed by Prof. Odu, to implement urgent measures to mitigate the impact of flooding in vulnerable areas.
In its directive, the Council cautioned residents against obstructing drainage channels, emphasising the importance of community cooperation in flood prevention efforts.
Source: Facebook
About Sole Administrator Ibas
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd) served as the Sole Administrator of Rivers state from March to September 2025, following a presidential declaration of emergency rule that suspended democratic structures amid political unrest.
A retired naval officer, Ibas was Nigeria’s 22nd Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021. He was later appointed ambassador to Ghana before assuming the Rivers state role.
APC wins 20 LGAs, breakdown of results released
Legit.ng earlier reported that according to official results announced by Dr Michael Odey, Chairman of the Rivers state Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), the APC secured wins across 20 LGAs, leaving the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with just three councils.
The PDP retained control of Port Harcourt, Obio Akpor, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni—areas traditionally seen as strongholds of the party. Dr Odey made the declaration at the RSIEC headquarters in Port Harcourt, where he confirmed the results and commended the peaceful conduct of the polls.
He stated that the elections were held in accordance with electoral guidelines and reflected the will of the electorate. The outcome marked the first time since 1999 that the APC claimed such a dominant position in the state’s grassroots political landscape.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
