Emmanuel Nlewedum, Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd), has advised the contractor handling the building of the State Assembly Complex project to speed up work and deliver it as mutually agreed.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) insisted that part of his mandate included restoring full and effective legislative activities in the State.
The Sole Administrator gave the charge when he visited to inspect the ongoing reconstruction work on the new Assembly Complex, located along Moscow Road in Port Harcourt Local Government Area on Saturday.
Awarded to Monier Construction Company (MCC), Limited, 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.
Vice Admiral Ibas(rtd), 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.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) 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.”
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) emphasised that he was appointed in the first place, to maintain law and order, which will enable the State to go back to what it is supposed to be.
