The Rivers State Government has announced the cancellation of a ₦134 billion contract awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for the reconstruction of the State Secretariat complex in Port Harcourt.
The decision was taken during the State Executive Council meeting held on Thursday, which was presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The project, initially awarded by the former sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ikot Ete Ibas (retd), during the period of emergency rule in the state, has now been nullified following a review by the current administration.
According to the resolution reached at the meeting, the Council directed CCECC to refund the ₦20 billion mobilisation fee already paid for the project. The state government stated that the decision forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper use of public funds.
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In the same development, the Council approved the establishment of a six-member committee chaired by Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu. The committee is tasked with assessing and recommending suitable locations for the construction of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the state. The initiative aims to support external examinations and improve educational infrastructure in Rivers State.
It would be recalled that during his tenure as sole administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas had earlier cancelled all procurement and tender processes carried out by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) under the then suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, barely two weeks after assuming office.
The recent cancellation marks another major step by the Fubara administration to review decisions made during the emergency rule and reinforce good governance in the state.