The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work on the ongoing reconstruction of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex.
Describing the progress as “grossly abysmal” and far below expectations, Ibas made the remarks on Friday during an inspection visit to the project site along Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
His comments were contained in a statement released later that night by his media aide, Hector Igbikiowubo.
“The contractor needs to do more,” Ibas said. “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 pace of work is far below acceptable standards, and this is simply not good enough.”
The administrator stressed that the project is of strategic importance and warned that further delays would not be tolerated. He directed the contractor to intensify efforts immediately and work toward meeting the project’s deadline.
“This project is of strategic importance, and any further delays will not be tolerated,” he said. “We must all commit to doing what is necessary to meet the expectations of the people.”
Ibas added that a high-level meeting with the contractor would be convened to address bottlenecks and realign efforts to ensure full compliance with agreed timelines.
In addition to the Assembly complex, Ibas also inspected major sporting facilities across the state, including the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, and the Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex, to evaluate their readiness for hosting competitive events.
Speaking on the importance of sports infrastructure, he noted the impressive performance of Rivers State athletes at national and international levels and the need for improved facilities to harness their potential.
“I just went to check and see the state of those facilities,” he said. “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 reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalising sports infrastructure to provide athletes with world-class training facilities and enhance the state’s capacity to host major sporting events.
“The contractor handling the RSHA Complex project has been directed to immediately ramp up work,” Ibas stated. “A high-level meeting will be convened to address bottlenecks and ensure compliance with agreed timelines. Plans are underway to upgrade sporting facilities to support local athletes and attract major sporting events to Rivers State.”
Ibas concluded by reiterating that the state government under his leadership remains committed to infrastructure excellence, accountability, and timely project delivery.
