Chairman of the House Committee, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, on Thursday led members of the House of Representatives committee oversighting the emergency rule in Rivers State to assess the activities of the sole administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.
As part of their oversight activities, the lawmakers will be expected to visit ongoing projects, understand governance challenges and engage stakeholders.
During a courtesy visit on the governor, Ihonvbere said “we will be here for the next two days to engage with relevant stakeholders. You, your administration, and those of us here share the same purpose-to ensure good governance, enduring peace, and value for every kobo spent in Rivers State.”
Ibas, on his part, said his arms were open to collaborate with all stakeholders to move the state forward and commended the improved cooperation between communities and security agencies, which he said had helped curb cultism, kidnapping, and infrastructure vandalism. The formation of a Farmers-Herders Committee has also prevented communal clashes.
Ibas used the opportunity to complain about the attitude of Julius Berger in the handling of the ring road project, saying the construction giant’s performance was abysmal and regrettable, despite receiving 77 per cent mobilization, amounting to N150 billion, out of the N195 billion contract sum, saying the project remained largely unexecuted.
He lamented that the contractor had requested an 87 per cent variation, inflating the total cost to N367 billion.
According to him, “a team of professionals has completed a comprehensive review, and it is clear Rivers State has received the short end of the stick,” Ibas declared. “Engagements with the contractor will begin in the coming days, and based on the outcome, we will determine the next steps.
“Our resources must be judiciously used. Contractors must honour lawful agreements and terms. There will be consequences.”
