The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has annulled all pending procurement and tender processes initiated under the suspended administration of Governor Siminialayi Fubara.

Additionally, Ibas directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that had participated in any procurement or tender process in 2025 to refund all collected fees.

This decision was conveyed in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika.

Supreme Court Verdict Influences Decision

According to the administrator, the move aligns with the Supreme Court ruling on the state’s budgetary impasse. 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 (retd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, wishes to notify the general public that all procurement and tender processes conducted by MDAs during this period are hereby canceled.

“Accordingly, all MDAs that undertook such tender processes for projects in their respective offices are, by this special announcement, mandated to refund such tender fees to the respective contractors immediately, pending the approval of a spending plan by the state, which shall be notified in due course.”

2025 Appropriation Bill Underway

Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Ibas has assured that a comprehensive appropriation bill for 2025 is being formulated to address critical development priorities, including healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.

He disclosed this while hosting a delegation from the Rivers State Caucus at the National Assembly, led by Dr. Barinada Mpigi, the Senator representing Rivers South-East District, at Government House, Port Harcourt.

National Assembly Delegation Engages with State Leadership

The delegation comprised key political figures, including Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives Kingsley Chinda, and other legislators such as Dumnamene Dekor, Solomon Bob, Cyril Hart, Blessing Amadi, Felix Nwaeke, Kelechi Nwogu, and Victor Obuzor.

Vice Admiral Ibas reaffirmed his commitment to restoring law and order in Rivers State. He highlighted ongoing collaboration with security agencies to ensure a safer environment where residents feel valued and secure.