Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has tasked all appointees serving in his government to ensure strict compliance with the procurement law in order to promote accountability and transparency.
Governor Fubara stated this at a one-day workshop on public enlightenment tagged, Guide to effective implementation of Rivers State public procurement law for Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Heads of agencies and top government functionaries put together by the Bureau of Public Procurement in Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
The governor said it is mandatory for all commissioners, permanent secretaries and top government officials to participate in such workshops to ensure that due processes are applied in all their operations and dealings.
Gov. Fubara who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, said it is necessary to ensure due diligence and proper costing in procurement process on behalf of the government and the people.
“What we are learning today is the procedures and practices laid down on how to spend the public money which is crucial. So, those of you that are procuring services must take this exercise seriously as it is compulsory for you to attend this kind of workshop.”
“And in subsequent ones any Commissioner or Permanent Secretary that fails to attend, such a person will be sanctioned.”
He emphasised that officers in procurement ministries, departments and agencies should know that if anything goes wrong in terms of procurement they will be held responsible as the governor will not interfere in costing of their projects, stressing that they ought to take necessary steps to ensure that the right thing is done.
The governor encouraged participants to be committed and take every bit of the workshop seriously in order to operate from the point of knowledge rather than ignorance
He charged the Bureau of Public Procurement to continue to guide all procurement units right and ensure the right procedures are strictly complied with, describing the agency as the eye of the the government and the people in terms of costing, adding that the agency must understand that as a watchdog it should continue to check every costing actions and be bold to reprimand those going wrong.
“So, be firm, bold and don’t seek to be loved by all, but ensure that people do the right things. Anybody who is not doing the right thing, you have no option than to notify the governor as quickly as possible.”
The governor said the award of Public Procurement Champion is too early and expects that the work of his administration should speak for the government before the people.
Speaking earlier, Justice Mary Odili applauded the visionary leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and described him as the pride of Rivers people and urged the public officials in Rivers State to take advantage of the workshop to add values to their services to the State.
On her part, the Acting Director General of Rivers State Bureau of Public Procurement Engr Mrs. Ine Briggs noted that the major challenges faced in the implementation of public procurement laws and policies in the state is ignorance of the laws and assured that the Bureau will carry out the needed awareness for the people to key into the principles of the procurement policies in Rivers State, adding that the Bureau will live up to its mandate without compromise.
She commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and said the Procurement Champion Award is given to the governor for his determination to pursue due diligence, accountability and transparency in all procurements in the State.
