PORT HARCOURT – The reconstruction of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex is making steady progress, with authorities expressing confidence that the project will be completed within the scheduled timeframe. The Sole Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), who inspected the project on Saturday, assured that the legislative building would be ready for use in six months.

Ibas, accompanied by the Head of Civil Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, was received at the project site on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, by Engr. Omaka Oko, General Manager of Monier Construction Company (MCC) Limited, the firm handling the reconstruction. “We are well on track. The new complex is designed as a two-story structure with 34 en-suite offices, an elevator, a gallery, meeting rooms, and a conference hall. The foundation is solid, and key structural elements have been put in place,” Oko explained.

Checks by GMTNewsng correspondent in Port Harcourt confirmed significant progress at the site, with visible reinforcement pillars, partitioned office spaces. Construction workers were seen handling different installations, while heavy machinery operated on-site, underscoring the level of commitment to the project. “The pace of work here shows serious government commitment,” remarked an observer, Engr. Ifeanyi Wekeh, a structural engineer monitoring the development.

The Sole Administrator underscored the importance of providing a conducive working environment for lawmakers, noting that a functional legislature is vital to good governance. “By the end of six months, this place will be ready for those who need to use it. The legislature must have a proper workspace, and this project is crucial to that objective,” Ibas stated.

A senior official in the state’s Ministry of Works, who spoke on condition of anonymity, affirmed that the project was initiated under Governor Siminalayi Fubara and had received adequate funding. “This reconstruction was planned and commenced under Fubara’s administration. It is incorrect to say nothing was done,” the official noted.

Political analyst Dr. Emeka Onua described the development as “a positive step for institutional strengthening in Rivers State,” urging that public discourse around it should focus on the progress made. “There is an ongoing attempt to diminish the achievements of Fubara, but the evidence is clear – work is in progress. The public should be guided by facts, not political narratives,” Onu said.

Residents of the state have expressed optimism that the project will enhance governance, with some calling for peace and unity among political actors. A market leader in Port Harcourt, Mrs. Charity Wonodi, urged leaders to set aside differences and prioritize the state’s development. “We want our leaders to work together for the good of Rivers State. This constant political tension is affecting governance and development,” she said.

A Port Harcourt resident Chief Sylvester Ugwu echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the focus should remain on delivering good governance. “The priority should be governance, not disputes. This project must continue and be completed without political distractions,” he stated.

Observers have also stressed the importance of accurate information in assessing development efforts, cautioning against narratives that may not reflect realities on the ground. “Misinformation can deepen divisions. The federal government should support reconciliation efforts and distance self from unnecessary controversies,” noted Dr. Grace Inye, a lecturer in political science.

As reconstruction efforts continue, stakeholders have called for collective support to ensure the timely completion of the project, noting that a strong legislature is crucial to democracy and development in Rivers State.

Pictures of the progress of work on the Complex are below:

GMTNewsng

Abuja, March 21, 2025 – The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has approved the immediate deployment of 38 Commissioners of Police (CPs) to various State Commands and Police Formations across the country.

According to a statement issued this evening by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the deployment includes nine CPs assigned to key state commands, while 29 others have been posted to strategic police formations nationwide.

The newly appointed CPs for state commands are:

Zamfara State – CP Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba

Taraba State – CP Bretet Emmanuel Simon

Yobe State – CP Christopher Ado Emmanuel

Cross River State – CP Olusegun Eyitayo Omosayin

Niger State – CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman

Bauchi State – CP Sani Omolori Aliyu

Katsina State – CP Bello Shehu

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) – CP Saka Adewale Ajao

Kwara State – CP Ojo Adekimi

The police chief emphasized that the deployments are part of efforts to strengthen intelligence-led policing and enhance security nationwide. “This strategic posting aims to reinforce our commitment to proactive and effective policing, ensuring that law enforcement remains responsive to the security needs of Nigerians,” IGP Egbetokun stated.

He charged the newly deployed CPs to prioritize tackling insecurity, enforcing discipline within the Force, and fostering stronger community engagement. “Every officer must be dedicated to maintaining law and order while upholding the highest standards of professionalism,” the IGP added.

This latest reshuffle underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to combat crime and bolster public confidence in law enforcement. GMTNewsng

Aba Power, electricity distribution company (DisCo) based in Aba, Abia State, has refuted media reports claiming that an Abia State High Court has nullified the new electricity tariff approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for its customers or any of the other 11 DisCos in the country.

NERC had ordered a new tariff for Aba Power to take effect on January 1, 2025, in a directive issued on December 30-nine months after approving a similar tariff adjustment for other DisCos.

Dismissing the reports as false, Aba Power’s Communication and Brand Manager, Edise Ekong, stated, “It is untrue and completely misleading for the online media to claim that Mr. Justice Enyinnaya Ikpeazu of the Isiala Ngwa High Court in Abia State has directed Aba Power to revert to the old tariff.”

Ekong explained that the case was filed by a group calling itself the Aba Electricity Consumers Forum, which opposed the new NERC order. However, the court ruled that the group was unregistered and, therefore, lacked legal standing.

“Rather than informing the public of the court’s decision, the group resorted to propaganda to mislead electricity consumers into believing that they are not required to pay the new tariff,” Ekong stated. He further noted that the court directed the group’s promoters, led by one Ike Opigwe, to appear as individual electricity consumers instead.

Urging customers in the Aba Ring-fenced Area-which covers nine of Abia State’s 17 local government areas-to continue paying the new tariff, Ekong emphasized that Aba Power had implemented the adjustment almost a year after other parts of the country had done so.

“This is the right thing to do because the Federal Government has already announced that there will be a significant increase in tariffs anytime from now, possibly this month,” he said.

Ekong also pointed out that the Federal Government’s plan to raise tariffs is aimed at reducing its subsidy burden on electricity generation and distribution companies, which has exceeded six trillion naira since their privatization in 2013.

Highlighting Aba Power’s distinct position in the sector, Ekong noted that it is the only DisCo that has not benefitted from government subsidies. He added that Geometric Power, which operates the company’s generation arm, has similarly received no financial support.

“We are delighted that we are widely considered a role model in the electricity business in Nigeria,” Ekong concluded.