The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd), has nullified all pending procurement and tender processes initiated by the suspended administration of Governor Siminialayi Fubara.
In a statement issued by Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, the administration also directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) involved in such transactions to refund any collected fees.
The decision follows the Supreme Court’s ruling in Suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/133/2024, which upheld an earlier verdict by the Court of Appeal, emphasizing the lack of a valid Appropriation Law for the state in 2025.
The statement reads: “In adherence to the Supreme Court judgement and in the absence of an Appropriation Law, all procurement and tender processes carried out by MDAs are hereby cancelled.”
Affected MDAs have been mandated to reimburse contractors, pending the approval of a new spending plan, which will be communicated in due course.
2025 Budget in Progress
Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Ibas disclosed that an appropriation bill for 2025 is being formulated to prioritize key sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Speaking during a meeting with the Rivers State Caucus at the National Assembly, led by Senator Barinada Mpigi, Ibas reaffirmed his commitment to restoring law and order. He noted that with the backing of security agencies, an environment has been fostered where residents feel safer and more valued.
The delegation also included Senators Allwell Onyesoh and Kingsley Chinda, as well as other prominent lawmakers from Rivers State.
