Rivers State Sole Administrator Cancels Pending Procurement, Orders Refunds to Contractors

|By Adejumo Adekunle-

Directive Aims to Restore Fiscal Order in Rivers State
 Suspension Follows Supreme Court Ruling on Procurement Processes

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), has taken decisive action by cancelling all pending procurement and tender processes initiated under the suspended administration of Sir Siminialayi Fubara. This announcement, made on Thursday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, has sent ripples across the state’s administrative landscape.

In a statement that echoes the principles of transparency and fiscal responsibility, the Sole Administrator emphasized the need for accountability, directing all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) involved in procurement processes in 2025 to refund all fees previously collected from contractors. The refund order is in response to the recent Supreme Court ruling that upheld the Appeal Court’s decision in Suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/133/2024.

The statement read: “In adherence to the Supreme Court judgment upholding the Appeal Court ruling, and in the absence of a valid Appropriation Law, the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, CFR, wishes to notify the general public that all procurement and tender processes carried out by MDAs are hereby cancelled. As a result, all MDAs involved in such tender processes are mandated to refund tender fees to the respective contractors immediately. This directive will remain in effect until a proper spending plan for the state is approved and communicated in due course.”

This bold step seeks to restore fiscal order in the state, ensuring that procurement processes are conducted in strict compliance with legal and financial regulations. The directive underscores the state’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its financial dealings.