…Also admits that the state government did its part in terms of payment
Ibok Ibas, the newly appointed Rivers State Sole Administrator, has gone to see things for himself at the contentious House of Assembly complex on Moscow Road and ran into a massive construction site.
Apparently holding back shocking admiration, the vice admiral told newsmen at the end of inspection that he found that work was progressing according to schedule.
In terms of funds, he admitted also that the state (Sim Fubara administration) had done their part, and it is left to the contractor to comply with the agreed work schedule. This seems to clear all doubts that suspended governor did not want to rebuild the demolished house of assembly complex which had been slated as having structural errors years before Fubara came to office.
He thus asked the contractor to ensure they delivered the project within schedule.
The Sole Administrator insisted that part of his mandate included restoring full and effective legislative activities in the State.
Awarded to Monier Construction Company (MCC), Limited, work has advanced commendably on the project that has about 34 en-suite offices on a two-storey building with elevator, gallery, meeting rooms and conference hall.
The Vice Admiral, accompanied by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, George Nwaeke, was conducted round the site by Omaka Oko, the General Manager of MCC, an engineer.
The Sole Administrator explained that in the last two days of assumption of duties, he had noticed a missing pillar in the State governance structure, and is determined to ensure that there is a place for effective legislative activities after six months.
There was huge meat made out of the House of Assembly that was demolished in the heat of first impeachment notice to the governor which was in October 2023. The President hinged his decision to remove Fubara on lack of evidence that the House of Assembly is being done, and that there are bombings in the state.
Now, the Sole Administrator said he had to be sure that work was actually going on. He said: “And perhaps, I am yet to be sure that work is going on as expected, so that by the end of the six months, this place will be ready for those who need to use it. I think basically that is what it is.
“They (contractor) have a schedule and they have timelines that I believe they will like to adhere to. I think the State has done its own bit by providing the necessary funds, I was briefed. So, the onus is on them to make sure that they keep to the terms.”
The Vice Admiral emphasised that he was appointed in the first place, to maintain law and order, which will enable the State to go back to what it is supposed to be.
