The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (rtd) has affirmed that political stability is gradually being restored in the state through inclusive dialogue and non-partisan consultations with key stakeholders.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on Emergency Rule Implementation, led by Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Ibas emphasized that reconciliation efforts and the willingness of political actors to collaborate have laid the foundation for lasting peace.
“I am pleased that, God willing, we have put major differences behind us,” he stated, acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s pivotal role in facilitating the peace process.
The administrator highlighted ongoing reforms, including leadership training and salary structure adjustments for civil servants. a historic biometric verification exercise for staff and pensioners to ensure transparency, clearance of long-standing arrears owed to health workers, streamlining pension payments and approving free health insurance for all state pensioners under the revitalized RIVCHIPP scheme, with mandatory enrollment for civil servants.
Ibas commended the improved cooperation between communities and security agencies, which has helped curb cultism, kidnapping, and infrastructure vandalism adding that the formation of a farmers-herders committee has also prevented communal clashes.
He said plans are underway to deploy a critical infrastructure surveillance system to bolster security and enable early threat detection across the state.
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The administrator however, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Port Harcourt Ring Road Project, describing the contractor’s performance as “regrettable.”
He said that despite receiving 77% mobilization (N150 billion) of the N195 billion contract sum, the project remains largely unexecuted.
Worse still, he said the contractor has requested an 87% variation, potentially inflating the total cost to N367 billion.
“A team of professionals has completed a comprehensive review, and it is clear Rivers State has received the short end of the stick,” he declared, stressing that engagements with the contractor will begin in the coming days, and based on the outcome, the next step will be determined
“Our resources must be judiciously used. Contractors must honour lawful agreements and terms. There will be consequences.”
Chairman of the House Ad hoc Committee, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere explained that their visit aimed to assess ongoing projects, understand governance challenges, and engage stakeholders.
“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.”
