RIVERS State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has begun asserting firm control over the state’s governance following his return to office cancelling a controversial ₦134 billion renovation contract awarded in the final days of the Sole Administrator-led Emergency Government.
The governor also ordered the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), to refund the ₦20 billion mobilisation fee it reportedly received for the project, which involved the renovation, retrofitting, and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex.
In a decisive move seen as part of his efforts to restore due process and transparency, Fubara directed that the project along with three others previously cancelled by the Emergency Administration, be re-advertised for open bidding in line with procurement laws.
The decision followed the first State Executive Council meeting since Governor Fubara’s reinstatement, where officials resolved to revisit all contracts awarded during the emergency period.
A statement by Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor sent to News Point Nigeria, late Thursday, quoted several commissioners and permanent secretaries who briefed journalists after the meeting.
According to Austen Ezekiel-Hart, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, the ₦134bn project was hurriedly awarded “without following due process,” prompting the government to void it and restart a transparent bidding process.
“Council approved the revalidation of bidding processes for four contracts that were previously advertised in February 2025 but were later cancelled by the Emergency Administration,” Ezekiel-Hart said.
“Fresh advertisements will soon be placed for qualified and competent contractors to prequalify and submit technical and commercial bids.”
The statement listed the four projects for revalidation and fresh bidding as: Renovation, retrofitting, and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex.
Construction of 4.8km reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation works in Queenstown, Epellema, Oloma, and Minima communities, Opobo/Nkoro LGA.
Construction of 2.5km shoreline protection and reclamation works in Ndoni-Onukwu, Isikwu, and Aziazagi communities, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.
Construction of 2.5km shoreline protection and reclamation works in Utuechi, Obiofu, Isala, Ani-Eze, and Odugri communities, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.
Ezekiel-Hart said the revalidation ensures compliance with all legal and financial guidelines for public procurement.
In another development, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, disclosed that the council approved the creation of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres and ICT laboratories across the state’s three senatorial districts.
She explained that the initiative chaired by the Deputy Governor aims to prepare students for WAEC and NECO’s transition to computer-based examinations by 2026 and to promote digital literacy among youths.
The committee also includes the Secretary to the State Government, Permanent Secretaries of Works, Information, and the Commissioner for Energy.
“This initiative will equip Rivers youths for a digital future and raise the standard of education across the state,” Uzoma-Nwogu said.
Also speaking, Chisom Gbali, Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, revealed that the council reviewed ongoing job creation efforts and directed his ministry to design a comprehensive youth empowerment framework.
On environmental matters, Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, said the council discussed the recent flash floods affecting parts of Rivers State and directed immediate remedial interventions.
Sirawoo urged residents to desist from dumping waste in drainage systems or building on waterways, warning that such practices exacerbate flooding.
He reaffirmed Governor Fubara’s commitment to rebuilding the state’s governance architecture, restoring accountability, and accelerating infrastructural development.
“Governor Fubara is determined to return Rivers State to the path of stability and sustainable growth,” Sirawoo said. “The days of impunity in contract awards are over.”