N’Assembly Orders Urgent Renovation of Rivers State Secretariat — Unsafe Floors Closed, Staff Relocated

N’Assembly Orders Urgent Renovation of Rivers State Secretariat Over Safety Concerns

The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Emergency Rule has issued a firm directive for the immediate renovation of the dilapidated Rivers State Secretariat complex in Port Harcourt. The order also mandates the urgent relocation of civil servants currently working in what the committee described as hazardous and life-threatening conditions.

The decision came after an emergency inspection tour led by Committee Chairman, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, who visited both the Secretariat and the stalled Rivers State House of Assembly reconstruction project. Following the tour, the committee concluded that the facility posed serious safety risks and required urgent government intervention.

Prof. Ihonvbere painted a grim picture of the Secretariat’s state, describing it as “more deplorable than facilities in war-torn Gaza.” His report detailed structural hazards such as weak floor tiles, leaking roofs, exposed electrical wiring, and the absence of basic amenities. According to the committee, there were no functional toilets, no drinking water, inadequate furniture, and severe safety concerns, especially on the 6th and 7th floors, both of which have now been declared unfit for human occupation.

In response, the committee ordered the immediate closure of the compromised floors and relocation of staff to secure, alternative workspaces. It also called for a comprehensive renovation of the entire complex, including the fast-tracking of contractor review meetings for delayed government projects, notably the State House of Assembly reconstruction.

While condemning the poor state of the infrastructure, Prof. Ihonvbere commended civil servants for continuing their work despite enduring what he termed “unconscionable conditions,” especially those stationed on the upper floors. However, he disclosed that the Assembly reconstruction project would miss its September completion deadline due to delays.

The statement, issued by Hector Igbikiowubo, media aide to the State Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, confirmed that the government will convene an emergency meeting of contractors. This meeting will focus on stricter supervision, transparent bidding for renovation contracts, and possible sanctions against defaulting firms.

Prof. Ihonvbere emphasized that the current situation amounts to “gross workplace endangerment” and insisted on immediate alternative accommodations for displaced workers. He further demanded weekly progress reports to the committee to ensure full compliance with the directive. According to the statement, the state government is expected to begin implementing these measures within 48 hours.