Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the sole Administrator of Rivers State, has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the sluggish progress of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex construction. During a site visit on Friday at the Moscow Road location in Port Harcourt, Ibas described the contractor’s pace as “grossly abysmal,” falling significantly short of the expected standards.
This development was confirmed in a statement released Friday evening by Hector Igbikiowubo, the media aide to the administrator. Ibas’s inspection extended beyond the assembly complex to include key sports venues such as the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Elekahia and the Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex, where he evaluated their preparedness for upcoming sporting events.
“The contractor needs to do more,” Ibas remarked. “From the consultants’ reports, progress is not fast enough, and that is not good enough. I am not satisfied with what I have seen. The pace of work is far below acceptable standards, and this is simply not good enough.”
To tackle the delays, the administrator has ordered the contractor to intensify efforts immediately to meet the project deadlines. “This project is of strategic importance, and any further delays will not be tolerated. We must all commit to doing what is necessary to meet the expectations of the people,” he emphasized.
Ibas also announced plans to summon the contractor for a high-level meeting aimed at realigning efforts and ensuring full commitment to timely delivery.
Highlighting the importance of sporting infrastructure, Ibas noted the impressive achievements of Rivers State youths in national and international competitions. “We have our state’s team participating in continental tournaments, yet we have to travel outside the state for our matches. I am sure we can do something to ensure we benefit locally. That’s precisely why we are here, to see what we can do,” he said.
The administrator reiterated his administration’s dedication to upgrading sports facilities to world-class standards, aiming to nurture local talent and attract major sporting events to Rivers State.
