The Rivers State Executive Council has revoked the ₦134 billion contract for the reconstruction of the State Secretariat complex in Port Harcourt, earlier awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) by the former sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ikot Ete Ibas (rtd).

The decision, reached at the Council’s meeting on Thursday, followed a review of contracts awarded during the period of emergency administration. The Council also directed CCECC to refund the ₦20 billion mobilisation fee already paid to the company.

In another development, the Council approved the establishment of a six-member committee chaired by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, to assess and recommend locations for the construction of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the state to support external examinations.

Additionally, the flood management committee, also led by the Deputy Governor, was instructed to intensify efforts to address flooding in Port Harcourt and other affected areas. The Council warned residents to stop blocking drainage channels to prevent further flooding.

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A fire outbreak on Monday disrupted activities at the Rivers State Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt, sparking panic among civil servants and visitors. The blaze, which affected the ground floor of the Podium Block, was quickly brought under control through a coordinated emergency response.

Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, confirmed that no casualties were recorded. She commended the swift intervention of the Rivers State Fire Service and its partners  including the Federal Fire Service, the military, and private responders for containing the fire before it spread.

“We were informed of a fire at the right wing of the ground floor of Podium Block and immediately contacted the Rivers State Fire Service, which responded promptly,” Brown said. “We also received quick support from the Federal Fire Service and other partners. It was a combined effort, and thankfully, the situation is now under control.”

Dr. Brown expressed gratitude to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for revamping the state’s fire service infrastructure, noting that his proactive investment in emergency response helped avert a major disaster.

Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been triggered by an electrical fault. The Head of Service advised civil servants to adhere to strict safety measures by switching off and unplugging electrical appliances after work hours to prevent similar incidents.

She added that Governor Fubara has directed plans for the refurbishment of affected sections of the secretariat, assuring that the government remains committed to ensuring a safe and functional work environment for state employees.

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