The Ad-Hoc Committee of the House of Representatives overseeing Rivers State administration has mandated the immediate rehabilitation of the deteriorating State Secretariat complex and the swift relocation of civil servants from unsafe working conditions. The directive came after an emergency inspection conducted on Thursday, August 14, 2025, by the committee led by its Chairman, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, who also assessed the stalled Rivers State House of Assembly project.

During the tour, Professor Ihonvbere expressed shock at the deplorable state of the Secretariat, comparing it unfavorably to facilities in conflict-ridden regions. He highlighted numerous hazards, including crumbling floor tiles, leaking roofs, exposed electrical wiring, and a severe lack of basic amenities such as functioning toilets, potable water, and office furniture. The committee declared the 6th and 7th floors completely unsafe for human occupancy due to the life-threatening conditions. Despite these challenges, the lawmakers commended civil servants for continuing their duties under what they described as “unacceptable and inhumane” circumstances.

In response to the findings, Professor Ihonvbere issued several directives, including the immediate shutdown of the compromised floors and the urgent transfer of affected staff to safer office spaces. He also ordered a full-scale renovation of the Secretariat complex. Additionally, the committee announced plans to convene a meeting with contractors handling the delayed Rivers State House of Assembly project, which has fallen behind schedule and is now unlikely to meet its September 2025 completion deadline.

The committee chairman warned that contractors would face strict scrutiny during the upcoming review session, with potential sanctions for substandard performance. “The current state of the Secretariat amounts to gross negligence and endangers the lives of workers,” Professor Ihonvbere stated. He demanded prompt action from the Rivers State government, including the provision of alternative office accommodations for displaced workers, an open and competitive bidding process for renovation contracts, and weekly updates on progress to ensure accountability.

The Rivers State administration has been given a 48-hour ultimatum to begin implementing these measures. Key requirements outlined by the committee include:

1. Immediate Relocation of Workers – Swift transfer of civil servants from hazardous areas to secure office spaces.
2. Transparent Contracting Process – Fair and open bidding for renovation contracts to prevent corruption.
3. Regular Progress Reports – Weekly submissions to the committee to monitor compliance and project advancement.

The lawmakers emphasized that failure to adhere to these directives would result in further legislative action. The inspection and subsequent orders highlight growing concerns over infrastructure decay in government facilities and the need for urgent intervention to safeguard workers’ welfare. The committee’s intervention aims to restore functionality to the Secretariat while ensuring that the stalled Assembly project is completed without further delays.

This development underscores the federal legislature’s oversight role in addressing administrative and infrastructural deficiencies at the state level, particularly in ensuring safe and conducive work environments for public servants. The Rivers State government is now under pressure to act swiftly to meet the committee’s demands and avert further criticism.