The Rivers State Government Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work at the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) Complex. The Administrator made this known during an on-the-spot inspection of the project on Friday, July 11, 2025.
Speaking at the construction site along Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, the Sole Administrator described the progress as “grossly abysmal” and warned that the current pace was unacceptable and far below expected standards.
“On the performance level right now, I think the contractor needs to do more. From the reports rendered by the consultants, they are not moving fast enough—and that is not good enough. I am not satisfied with what I have seen,” the Sole Administrator stated during the visit.
He directed the contractor to immediately accelerate work, stressing the strategic importance of the project to the state. He also announced plans to summon the contractor for a high-level meeting to resolve any outstanding issues and ensure timely delivery.
Sports Infrastructure Also Under Spotlight
In addition to the RSHA Complex, the Sole Administrator inspected key sporting facilities including the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Elekahia and the Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex. He said the inspection was aimed at assessing the condition of these facilities ahead of upcoming sporting events and to support the state’s growing pool of athletic talent.
While addressing the media after the inspection, Vice Admiral Ibas emphasized the need for Rivers athletes to have access to quality training grounds at home, rather than relying on facilities outside the state.
“We have our state teams participating in continental tournaments, yet we have to travel out of the state to play. That needs to change. That’s why we are here—to see what we can do,” he said.
Government Action Plan
The Sole Administrator outlined two immediate priorities:
Rivers State House of Assembly Complex: The contractor has been ordered to significantly ramp up construction efforts without delay. A meeting will be convened to address project challenges and enforce accountability.
Sports Facilities: The government is initiating plans to upgrade sports infrastructure to enhance local athlete development and attract major events to the state.
The Rivers State Government reaffirmed its commitment—through the directives of the Sole Administrator—to delivering infrastructure projects on time, strengthening youth engagement through sports, and upholding accountability at all levels.
