The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), on Saturday visited the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, which in currently under construction, promising to speed up its completion.
He charged the contractor handling the project to speed up work and deliver it as mutually agreed.
Ibas insisted that part of his mandate included restoring full and effective legislative activities in the state.
Sections of the assembly complex was demolished after a controversial fire in November 2023 at the start of the ongoing political crisis between the executive and legislature in Rivers State, which culminated in the current state of emergency.
Suspended Governor Fubara immediately commenced the reconstruction of the complex and has progressed to advanced level before the state of emergency.
Contract for the reconstruction was awarded to Monier Construction Company (MCC), Limited, and work has advanced commendably on the project that has about 34 en- suite offices on a two-storey building with elevator, gallery, meeting rooms and conference hall.
Ibas accompanied by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, was conducted round the site by the General Manager of MCC, Engr Omaka Oko.
The Sole Administrator explained that in the last two days of assumption of duties, he had noticed a missing pillar in the State governance structure, and is determined to ensure that there is a place for effective legislative activities after six months.
He said: “I had been at the executive arm of the state governance structure and one of the pillars that is missing for now is the legislature and for them to function effectively, they also need a place to work from.
“And perhaps, I am yet to be sure that work is going on as expected, so that by the end of the six months, this place will be ready for those who need to use it. I think basically that is what it is.
“They (contractor) have a schedule and they have timelines that I believe they will like to adhere to. I think the State has done its own bit by providing the necessary funds, I was brief. So the onus is on them to make sure that they keep to the terms.”
Ibas emphasised that he was appointed in the first place, to to maintain law and order, which will enable the State to go back to what it is supposed to be.
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