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Rivers Probes N3bn Failed School Contracts …State PDP Expresses Shock
The Rivers State Government has launched an investigation aimed at unraveling the circumstances surrounding the N3billion failed contracts awarded by the previous administration for the renovation of some secondary school buildings across the 23 local government areas of the state.
The contractors for the schools renovation were mobilised by the former Governor and now Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi-led government in 2015.
Announcing the jump-starting of the probe last Friday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Senior Secondary School Board Committee on the Implementation and Recovery of Looted Funds, listed the contractors, the local governments, communities, schools and the amounts released by the government for the execution of the contracts.
The committee also listed the contractors and the amount collected from government for the renovation of non-existent schools in the state.
It further directed the contractors to appear at the board’s Okija Street, D/Line office in Port Harcourt by 11am from Wednesday, June 29 to Wednesday, July 27, 2016, to explain why they collected the state government’s money without executing the contracts more than one year after.
Specifically, the committee directed Chimeagata & Services, G. Proof Global Nig Ltd, Nwaugah Jaccob Enterprises, Widereu Integrated Services Ltd, and Nyesemi Intergrated Services Ltd, which collectively collected N1,009,824,000.00 for non-existent schools in the state to appear on June 29 to give details of contracts, their status and any other further information the committee may require to justify the payment for the contracts.
The schools board committee also invited Mondo Progetti Ltd, Ella & Eghuan Ventures, D.P.&H Investment Nig Ltd, Piniebi& Imoh Nig Ltd, Zeus Global Interest Ltd, Chiread Ventures Nig, Building Concepts, Dapreach Nig Ltd, Neo-Brutini Ltd, and Brenton Wood &Trinity Ltd, which collected a cumulative sum of N337,000,000.00 for the renovation of Government Secondary School, Abua in Abua/Odual Local Government Area to meet with it on June 30, 2016, to furnish information on their contracts.
Also on June 30, Waby C. Nig Ltd, STE Office System Ltd, Benbross Global Resources, GAM 3G Ltd, Shadico Multi Services Ltd, and Wetland Works Ltd are to answer questions on the total N298million collected for the renovation of WACHS, Ahoada, in Ahoada East Local Government Area.
On the same day, Robel Global Services Ltd, Atisis Integrated Services, Hartward Enterprises Nig Ltd, Intesmag Network Services, Qantum Services Ltd, and Dorisdesmond Nig Ltd, would explain to the committee how a total sum of N118million given them to renovate GCSS, Ataba, in Andoni Local Government Area was expended without any work done on the school.
In the same vein, the committee directed Multisolid Construction Res Ltd, AB-Fabal Services Ltd, HBekel Global Services Ltd, Avomee Global Services Ltd, Mae International, XKlisive Image Line Services, and Goody’s Sunny Global Services to appear July 6 to explain what they did with a N242million collected to renovate GCSS, Mbiama in Ahoada West Local Government Area of the state.
Similarly, Kursco Nig Ltd, Salamander Investment Ltd, ING International Ltd, Apo-Biz Venture Ltd, Arod Investment Company Ltd, and the Reach Integrated Services are to explain what they did with a totl sum of N98million they collected from government to renovate CSS, Obonoma in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area on July 6.
Also on the same day, Intersect system Ltd, Josiah Jacob Nig Ltd, Etelbi Nig Ltd, Nyeseni Integrated Services, Husbani Integrated Services Ltd, and Cosini Nig Ltd are to tell the committee where they spent a total N95million they collected to renovate CSS, Ido in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.
The Tide further learnt that Harial Nig Ltd, Valine Nig Ltd, Fredat Investment Ltd, Omab Tech Services Ltd, Harold & Julius Investment Ltd and Bams Nig Ltd are to appear before the committee on July 7 to give details of how they expended a total N234million they collected to renovate CSS, Abalamabie in Bonny Local Government Are.
On the same day, Dear Maijaja & Co Ltd, Frimabo Nig Ltd, Sakim Nig Ltd, First Didi & Sons and BMS Nig Ltd will guests of the committee to explain how they spent N163million on GTC, Tombia in Degema Local Government Area that has not been renovated.
For GSS, Onne in Eleme Local Government Area, Alspace Contrat & Logistics Ltd, Movicks Services Ltd, Abhili Nig Ltd, Nyimejire Enterprises Nig Ltd, Bedomon Resources Nig Ltd, and Nemax Services Ltd are to explain on July 7, where N105.3million they collected to renovate the school went.
The Tide investigations revealed that 10 companies are to explain on July 13, where a total sum of N229million the collected to renovate GGS Umuola in Etche Local Government Area disappeared to.
Also six companies are to appear on July 13 to account for N189million they collected from government to renovate CHS, Ibaa in Emohua Local Government Area while eight other companies, will on the same day, give account of N245million they collected to renovate CSS, Kpor in Gokana Local Government Area.
In Ikwerre Local Government Area, six companies are to account for N225million they took to renovate GSS, Omerelu on July 14 while nine others are to explain how they spent N253million given to them to renovate BMGS, Bori in Khana Local Government Area.
Five companies are to account for N80.1million given them to renovate CSS, Rumuokurushi in Obio/Akpor while another five firms will explain what they did with N81million they took to renovate GCSS, Opobo, CHS, Nkoro and CSS, Opobo in Opobo/Nkoro.
Also, five firms apiece are to account for N72million and N67million they were given to renovate GSS, Ogu and NSS, Okrika in Ogu/Bolo and Okrika LGA, respectively.
Furthermore, Six firms that took N141million for CSS, Amaji in Omuma LGA, and Seven others that took N224million to renovate GGSS, Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA are to account for same on July 21.
For GSS, Oyibo, LGA, six firms are to account for N243million while in 12 others are to explain what happened to N495.5million they took to renovate EHS, Borikiri and GGSS, Oromenike in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area.
Nine companies are to explain how they expended N225million the collected to renovate GSS, Kpite in Tai LGA on July 27, 2016.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has described as shocking and wicked the many cases of uncovered diversion of funds meant for the rehabilitation of dilapidated public schools in the state under the administration of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
Chairman of the state PDP, Bro Felix Obuah, made this observation while reacting to the published list of persons invited by the state Senior Secondary Schools Board for explanations over monies received from the immediate past administration but not used for the projects so awarded and some, collected without project sites.
The state PDP chairman explained that it was more worried that a government that made so much noise about giving the best education the Rivers children could condone such recklessness, and allowed monies earmarked to renovate the schools and provide the right atmosphere for studying frittered away with careless abandon.
While enjoining the state government not to limit its searchlight on the mess in the education sector, Obuah said this is the kind of fraud the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should be going after with a view to recovering the loots and bringing to book the culprits.
The state PDP chairman, however, regretted that rather than spread its dragnet for such fraudsters to sanitize the society, the anti-graft agency was busy haunting opponents of the All Progressives Congress (APC), innocent citizens, most of whom have spent the better part of their lives in service to the country.
Notwithstanding the collaboration between those responsible for the parlous state of public schools and the general looting of Rivers State treasury and the anti-corruption agents, the Rivers State Government should not leave any stone unturned in exposing illegalities discovered anywhere in the state under the administration of Amaechi and those behind them no matter the social status of their perpetrators, Obuah urged.
He, therefore, urged all those implicated in the ghost contracts and looting in Rivers State to do the needful, by being ready and willing to refund the stolen funds and save the state further waste of scarce resources on litigations.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
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We’re Working To Improve Quality Of Life Of Rivers People -Fubara …As Taraba Gov Inaugurates 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja Roads Project
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to render quality service that will improve the quality of life of residents, and strengthen the platform to promote unity.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance at the Okania-Ogbogoro Road junction, venue of the inauguration of the 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja (and Mgbuoba) Roads project in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, yesterday.
The road cuts across Okania community through Ogbogoro, and connects Port Harcourt Ring Road project under construction, and was inaugurated by the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas.
Governor Fubara said that during the campaigns, he saw the roads in terrible condition, made a promise to fix them, and noted that that promise has been kept.
He emphasised that his administration will never be reckoned with abandoning of projects that it started, which is why he is particularly excited that the road has been fixed to ease the inconveniences suffered by the people.
The Governor said, “What we are doing here today is very simple: Promise made, promise fulfilled. I told you that whatever we are going to start, we are not going to leave it halfway. So, we have come here this afternoon to fulfill that promise.
“I am so excited, and I am so happy. I am leaving here with so much joy that we have done something that has so much impact, and importance in the lives of our people. So, I feel very fulfilled. Government is about the people. Government is knowing, understanding and seeing what you can do to make life easy for your people.
“We understand the situation of this road. Fortunately, I have a few friends who also live around here. So, there is nothing you will say that I don’t know. As a government, we will continue to do those things we know will make life easy for you.”
The Governor thanked members of the communities in the area for their support to his administration, and also for cooperating with the contractor to ensure completion of the project.
He assured the people that their request for the rehabilitation of the Community Secondary School and Health Centre, will be looked at and addressed immediately, saying, “Our government is a government that takes the interest of our people very seriously.
“There is no government without the people. It is only the people that keep the government going. So, what we will continue to do is to make sure that the problems and interest of our people are top on our list,” he assured.
Performing the inauguration, Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, said roads are not just physical infrastructure but represent a commitment to facilitate ease of transportation, boost local commercial activities and improve quality of lives for the people of Rivers State.
Dr Kefas noted that Governor Fubara has provided the people good roads, and like other good roads, it will serve as an artery of development, further connecting communities, enhancing access to essential services while unlocking economic potentials.
He said, “By completing this project, Your Excellency has, once again, demonstrated the transformative impact of visionary leadership. When I was coming in with the Governor on a ride, I saw the joy, the happiness of the voiceless people who were abandoned and neglected in this area, coming out to wave and welcome us.
“It wasn’t a hired crowd. Everybody, those who couldn’t make it to this place, in front of their homes, they were waving at us, and I was telling the Governor: this is all about good governance. He listened to the people, and solved their problems. So, it shows that he is doing the right thing, and I want to thank you, my brother, for what you are doing for the good people, especially the poor people even in difficult times.”
Governor Kefas further said: “As we celebrate this milestone, I am reminded of the importance of collaboration and shared vision among us as Governors. Together, we can inspire our people, improve their lives, and create lasting legacies in our respective states.”
Providing the project description, the State Commissioner for Works, Barrister Elloka Tasie-Amadi, recalled that when it was flagged-off in May, 2024, the project was for a 5km stretch but was extended in October, to include Mgbaraja axis, increasing the length to 6.55km, explaining that the 10.3 meter wide, and 5km of drains road, has now linked Apara Kingdom to Nkpor Kingdom.
In his address, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Amb Chijioke Ihunwo, described the road as a very significant route that was abandoned for years until Governor Fubara intervened and fixed it, promising that Obio/Akpor people will not take the gestures of the State Government under Governor Fubara for granted.
Speaking on behalf of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the firm that handled the project, Eric Shen, said they are happy to be part of the infrastructure development strides of Governor Fubara, stating that though the rains posed significant challenge, they have delivered quality road network to serve the connectivity needs of the people.
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We’ll Implement Judicial Commission’s Report On Arson, Killings -Fubara …Says Such Violence Must Stop In Rivers
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured of implementing the recommendations of the report submitted to him by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Arson, Killings, and Wanton Destruction of Property at some local government council headquarters on or around Monday, October 7, 2024.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance when the seven-member commission, led by the Chairman, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, submitted four volumes of reports of their investigation and recommendations to him at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Governor declared that his administration will neither tolerate nor allow such level of violence in the State anymore because it is not profitable or productive.
He said, “We are not going to be part of any system that would encourage any destruction in this State. And for that reason, we had to inaugurate this commission, so that this commission should look into the remote and immediate causes of this problem.
“And I believe that the recommendations of this commission, with the help of God and the support of everyone, we will make sure that we implement the recommendations.”
Governor Fubara said: “We are going to take it to the next stage. The report will be presented to the Executive Council, and there, we will surely come out with the White Paper and with the White Paper. I can assure you, we are going to follow it to the end.
“Nobody is above the law, including me. So, provided what we are doing is within the confines of the law, we will do it with the help of every one.”
Governor Fubara recalled how, before 2014, a group of persons had ran wide recklessly in the State, burning down court buildings.
He noted that it is such persons, who had recently surfaced with their destructive tendencies, and have extended the violence to local government councils, killing people and destroying government property.
Governor Fubara wondered why somebody will spend so much money to build a structure intended to last as legacy of the administration but would eventually be part of its destruction in the name of politics.
Governor Fubara clarified that he has never been part of such destructive politics that continue to set the State backwards and frustrate progressive development strides.
Governor Fubara said: “I make bold to say it, I have never been and will never be a party to anything that will bring shame, disgrace, destruction to our dear State.
“It is our State. If it is well with us, it will be well with everybody. As a matter of fact, why should I encourage destruction, when I know that when you finish spoiling things, you still need money to rebuild them.
“I am an accountant, I know the importance of how we can manage money. Rather than spoil, you should use that money to do a new thing for the State.”
Governor Fubara vowed: “So, I am going to ensure that we put a stop to that level of violence or such unreasonable violence. I call it unreasonable violence because it doesn’t mean anything in politics.
“Politics is a business of interest. There is no permanent friend, no permanent enemy. Some persons who were not even in our support, today, they are here following us because their interest is the most important thing.
“Likewise tomorrow, if the interest changes, they will also go their different ways. So, why burn down the house?”
Governor Fubara thanked members of the commission for being bold, focused, and accomplishing their task with determination in the face of physical and legal threats.
In her presentation, Chairman of the seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, said they had put their findings into four volumes, including the recommendations.
Justice Minakiri explained: “We have here four volumes of the report. We have the memoranda, which is the memoranda we got after we made our publications.
“We also have the exhibits that came with the memoranda. We have the proceedings and the records. At the end of the day, we came up with the main report.”
Justice Minakiri advised that the recommendations of the report should be studied and implemented so that people can be deterred from such callous acts and the sought-after peace secured for the State.
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We Are Eager To Showcase The Best Of Rivers State -Fubara …Declares Federation Of Public Service Games Open
The Rivers State Government says it is committed to providing a memorable experience for all delegates participating in the Federation of Public Service Games(FEPSGA) hosted by the State Government.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the opening Ceremony of the 43rd Edition, Public Service Games, titled ”Simplified Rivers 2024″, at Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, last Sunday.
Speaking through his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Governor Fubara said “Our hospitality is renowned and we are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment, we have everything in place to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.”
Governor Fubara said to ensure the success of the games his Administration has put in place comprehensive plans and preparations with four venues approved for the events which include the Sharks Stadium, Alfred Diette -Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt Club and the University of Port Harcourt.
The State Chief Executive urged participants to remember that the true spirit of FEPSGA goes beyond winning medals, stressing that it is about building bridges of friendship, fostering a sense of community and celebrating our diversity.
According to him, we envision a public service that is more productive, more efficient and more effective, a future where public servants are empowered to deliver exceptional results driven by a culture of excellence, innovation and teamwork.
The Governor reiterated that while a healthy mind and body are essential for high productivity, regular physical activity boosts our mood, increases energy levels and enhances our cognitive function. We are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment.
In her address Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who spoke through Dr.(Mrs) Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Interior Commended Governor Fubara for hosting this year’s event, and for his dedication to promoting sports and fostering unity in the country.
She noted that the event which serves as a platform for furthering unity, camaraderie and sportsmanship amongst public servants, was a celebration of their shared commitment to excellence, resilience and service to the nation.
Also speaking the National President of the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA), Comrade Amaebi Aloku, said Rivers State got the nod to host the annual event because the Federation was pleased with the vision of Governor Fubara in identifying with the needs of the Civil Servants in the State, in terms of their welfare and being one of the first State to implement the new minimum wage and even taking it above what was approved by the national.
Earlier the Head of Service Rivers State, Dr George Nwaeke had welcomed all participants to the State and expressed gratitude to the Governor for approving and making available the resources to host the games, noting that it was an opportunity to interact with all Civil Servants across the nation.
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