Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), has annulled all ongoing procurement and tender processes initiated by the suspended administration of Sir Siminialayi Fubara.
In a public announcement issued on Thursday, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, stated that all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) involved in procurement activities in 2025 must refund any fees already collected from contractors.
Decision Rooted in Legal Ruling
The directive follows a recent Supreme Court judgment that upheld the Appeal Court’s ruling in Suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/133/2024. The court’s decision highlighted the absence of a valid Appropriation Law for the fiscal year, prompting the cancellation of all related financial commitments.
The statement read: “In adherence to the Supreme Court judgment upholding the Appeal Court ruling in Suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/133/2024, and in the absence of an 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 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) during the period are hereby cancelled.”
Immediate Refund of Fees Ordered
All MDAs that had conducted tender processes for projects were instructed to “refund such tender fees to the respective contractors IMMEDIATELY.” The directive will remain in effect until a state spending plan is approved.
The decision is aimed at restoring fiscal order in Rivers State and ensuring compliance with financial and legal regulations.
