In a significant development, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has taken decisive action. He has cancelled all pending procurement and tender processes. These were carried out by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the state. This decision was made necessary by the Supreme Court judgment and the absence of an Appropriation Law within the period.
The cancellation directive was part of a Special Government House Announcement. It was issued in Port Harcourt on Thursday. The announcement was signed by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika. The announcement cited the Supreme Court judgment upholding the Appeal Court ruling in Suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/133/2024, which has significant implications for the state’s procurement processes.
Ibas instructed all MDAs to immediately refund the tender fees. These refunds are due to the respective contractors who participated in the tender processes.
The statement read, “In adherence to the Supreme Court judgment upholding the Appeal Court ruling in Suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/133/2024. In the absence of an Appropriation Law, the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, wishes to notify the general public. All procurement and tender processes carried out by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies during the period are hereby cancelled.”
This development is expected to affect contractors and businesses engaged with state projects. They must now await fresh guidelines. This will happen once the government finalises its financial regulations. The state government has assured stakeholders that a new spending plan will be approved soon. This plan will provide clarity on the procurement processes going forward.
Stakeholders in the state have reacted to the cancellation. Some are expressing concerns about the potential delays. They worry about disruptions to ongoing projects. Others have welcomed the move, citing the need for transparency and accountability in the state’s procurement processes.
The cancellation of the procurement and tender processes by the Rivers State Sole Administrator is a significant development. It underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in government contracting. The state government is developing a new spending plan. Stakeholders will be watching closely to ensure fairness and transparency. This is to guarantee the best interests of the state and its citizens.