The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.), has directed the contractor handling the State House of Assembly Complex project to expedite work and ensure timely delivery as agreed.
Ibas emphasized that a key aspect of his mandate is to restore full legislative activities in the state. He issued this directive on Saturday while inspecting the ongoing reconstruction at the Assembly Complex on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
A statement from the Government House Press Unit confirmed the visit. Awarded to Monier Construction Company Limited (MCC), the project has progressed significantly, featuring a two-story building with 34 en-suite offices, an elevator, a gallery, meeting rooms, and a conference hall.
During the inspection, Ibas was accompanied by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, and was briefed on the project’s progress by MCC’s General Manager, Omaka Oko.
Addressing the urgency of the project, Ibas noted that since assuming office, he had observed a critical gap in the state’s governance structure the absence of a functional legislature. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring a fully operational legislative space within six months.
“I have been in the Executive arm of government, and one missing pillar is the legislature. For them to function effectively, they need a place to work from,” Ibas stated.
Expressing concerns about the pace of work, he urged the contractor to adhere to the agreed timeline, noting that the state had fulfilled its financial commitments.
“They have a schedule and timelines to follow. I believe the state has provided the necessary funds, as I was briefed. The onus is on them to meet the terms,” he said.
Ibas reaffirmed that his primary responsibility is to maintain law and order, ensuring that the state functions as it should.