The Rivers State Government is to initiate criminal proceeding against Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited for breach of trust, which led to the abandonment of the state’s gas turbine generator unit and accessories in The Netherlands since 2012.

The decision to file criminal proceeding against Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited was taken at the 15th Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike at the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Commissioner for Power, Damiete Herbert-Millier, explained that due to the abandonment of the gas turbine generator unit and accessories by Saipem, the Rivers State government incurred huge loss in terms of demurrage charges and others.

“Consequently, the council unanimously directed the Attorney General of Rivers State to file criminal proceeding against Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited for its role in this ugly incident.”

The State Executive Council also approved the reconstruction of two roads, Oyigbo-Okoloma and Chokocho-Igbodo totaling 46.5km.

The Commissioner for Works, Elloka Tasie-Amadi, said the Oyigbo-Okoloma project scope is 19.4km long at the cost of N11.483 billion.

He further stated that the reconstruction of Chokocho-Igbodo Road is 27.1km, awarded at a cost of N13.523 billion. According to him, the two projects are expected to be completed within 12 months.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu, said the council gave approval for the Rivers State Medium-Term Expenditure Framework 2022-2024.

Kamalu said council also approved the state’s participation in the Federal Government and Nigerian Governors’ Forum supported bridging finance support facility for subnational economies, designed to cushion the impact of repaying the bailout.The Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Projects, Alabo George-Kelly, said the council approved the award of contract for construction of the Rivers State Magistrate Court Complex at a cost of N8.1 billion.

He said the scope of the project includes the construction of 24 magistrate courts, which will be housed in four two-storey structures, three floors each.