Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, says political calm is returning to the state through inclusive dialogue and non-partisan consultations with stakeholders.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Emergency Rule Implementation, led by Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Ibas credited reconciliation efforts and collaboration among political actors for laying the foundation for lasting peace, acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s role in the process.
The Administrator outlined governance reforms, including leadership training and salary adjustments for civil servants, biometric verification of staff and pensioners, clearance of arrears owed to health workers, direct pension payments, and free health insurance for state pensioners under the RIVCHIPP scheme.
On security, he noted improved cooperation between communities and security agencies, reduction in cultism and kidnapping, formation of a Farmers-Herders Committee to avert communal clashes, and plans to deploy a state-wide infrastructure surveillance system.
Ibas expressed dissatisfaction with the Port Harcourt Ring Road Project, citing poor performance despite 77% mobilization payment of the N195 billion contract sum. He said the contractor has requested an 87% variation, which could raise the cost to N367 billion, warning that “contractors must honour agreements” and that there would be consequences for misuse of resources.
Prof. Ihonvbere said the committee’s visit was to inspect projects, assess governance challenges, and ensure value for public funds.
The administration has pledged to enforce contractor compliance, complete stalled projects, and deliver tangible benefits to Rivers people.
