By Kelechi Boms, Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Government has announced an immediate freeze on all employment and the cancellation of every ongoing procurement and tender process across ministries, departments, and agencies.
The decision followed compliance with a recent Supreme Court judgement that upheld an earlier Appeal Court ruling in Suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/133/2024, coupled with the current absence of an approved state appropriation law.
In an official statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Worika, the government directed all ministries, departments, and agencies to immediately refund any tender fees collected from contractors.
The notice emphasised that all procurement activities conducted during the period in question stand invalidated pending the establishment of a proper spending plan, which the state administration will announce in due course.
The directive, authorised by the Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, effectively suspends all government tender processes until further notice. This move is expected to significantly impact contractors and businesses currently engaged with Rivers State projects, requiring them to await fresh guidelines once the government finalises its financial regulations.
Authorities have assured the public that normal operations will resume following the approval of a lawful spending framework. For now, all affected parties are advised to comply with the immediate refund directive while awaiting official updates on the way forward.
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