Rivers Government Annuls Procurement, Tender Processes
Affected MDAs Ordered to Refund Contractors’ Tender Fees
The Rivers State Government has officially nullified all ongoing procurement and tender processes initiated by its Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), marking a significant administrative shift amid the state’s political and financial restructuring.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibibia Worika, disclosed that the decision was made in compliance with the recent Supreme Court ruling, which upheld the Appeal Court’s verdict in Suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/133/2024. This ruling effectively altered the legal landscape surrounding the governance of Rivers State and its financial management.
The directive, issued by the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, mandates that all affected MDAs immediately refund tender fees collected from contractors during the invalidated procurement period. This decision seeks to uphold transparency and fairness in the state’s fiscal policies while ensuring that contractors are not financially disadvantaged by the abrupt policy reversal.
However, concerns have emerged over the timeline and mechanisms for these refunds. While the government has assured stakeholders that the refund process will be carried out without delay, it remains contingent on the final approval of a state spending plan, details of which are yet to be made public.
The Rivers State Government has further pledged to provide updates regarding future financial planning and procurement procedures. Analysts suggest that this move signals an effort by the administrator to assert control over the state’s financial engagements and restore confidence in its governance framework.
Meanwhile, political and economic observers are keenly watching for the broader implications of this policy shift, particularly its potential impact on contractors, investors, and infrastructural development in the state. Many await clarity on how the government intends to navigate the challenges posed by this sweeping policy reversal.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this directive fosters financial accountability or exacerbates uncertainty within Rivers State’s administrative and economic landscape.
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Rivers Government Annuls Procurement, Tender Processes