The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd.), has annulled all procurement and tendering processes initiated by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) within the state. This decision follows the recent Supreme Court judgment and the absence of a legally approved Appropriation Law during the period in question.
The directive was conveyed through a Special Government House Announcement issued in Port Harcourt on Thursday, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika. The statement emphasized that all tendering processes conducted within the affected timeframe stand nullified.
“In adherence to the Supreme Court judgment upholding the Appeal Court ruling in Suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/133/2024, and given the absence of an Appropriation Law, the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, hereby notifies the public that all procurement and tender processes undertaken by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies during this period are cancelled,” the announcement read.
Furthermore, the Sole Administrator has directed all MDAs involved in such transactions to ensure the immediate refund of tender fees collected from contractors.
“Accordingly, all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies that conducted such tender processes for projects within their offices are mandated to refund the respective tender fees to the affected contractors without delay, pending the approval of a spending plan for the state, which will be communicated in due course,” the statement added.
The decision underscores the state government’s commitment to ensuring transparency, legal compliance, and proper financial procedures in the management of public funds.
