The Rivers State Executive Council has made key policy reversals and introduced new initiatives during its first meeting since the six-month state of emergency was lifted.
The meeting, held at the Government House in Port Harcourt, was presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and attended by Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Odu, the Secretary to the State Government, the Head of Service, eight retained commissioners, and the Permanent Secretaries of Works and Education.
During the deliberations, the Council reviewed major contracts and policies executed under the emergency rule and took decisive action to cancel the ₦134 billion contract for the reconstruction of the State Secretariat Complex, which had been awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
The Council directed CCECC to refund the ₦20 billion mobilisation fee previously received for the project. It also mandated a new bidding process for other projects in Opobo/Nkoro and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Areas, which had been revoked and were originally advertised in February.
In addition, the Council approved the creation of a six-man committee headed by Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Odu to assess and recommend suitable sites for Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the state. These centres are expected to enhance digital learning and facilitate external examinations for students.
The Council also directed the state flood committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor, to take immediate action to mitigate flash floods affecting several communities. Residents were cautioned against blocking drainage systems and urged to cooperate with the government to prevent further flooding incidents.
To address broader developmental concerns, the Council endorsed new strategies to tackle youth unemployment and approved the realignment of government priorities in key sectors such as education, environment, and job creation.
What You Should Know
The Rivers State Executive Council’s decisions mark a significant shift in governance direction following the end of the state of emergency.
The cancellation of the ₦134 billion secretariat project and the refund directive highlight the administration’s focus on fiscal accountability and infrastructure transparency under Governor Fubara’s leadership.
