The Rivers State Government has announced that all pending procurement and tender processes should be put on hold.
The decision according to the government was as a result of the Supreme Court judgment upholding the Appeal Court ruling in Suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/133/2024.
The government also sited the absence of an Appropriation Law as reason for the development, noting that refund of tender fees to contractors would be made without delay .
According to the announcement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, the cancellation affects all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that carried out tender processes during the specified period.
“The government has mandated all affected MDAs to take immediate action, ensuring that contractors receive their refunds promptly. This move is seen as a step towards transparency and accountability in the state’s procurement processes.
“The Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (RTD) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the public that the state government is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all procurement processes are transparent and accountable.”
He noted that the move is the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability and is a welcome step towards good governance.
The government thereafter promised to notify the public of any further developments and updates on the procurement processes.
