Governor Siminalayi Fubara has urged members of the State Executive Council to adhere to the Public Procurement law. He made this call during the Public Procurement Enlightenment Workshop organized by the Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement (RSBoPP) in Port Harcourt. The Governor laid emphasis on the significance of public procurement in spending public funds, stressing that it is crucial for good governance.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo, Governor Fubara highlighted both the importance of accountability in procurement processes and public procurement to the commonwealth of the people. He noted that the workshop was vital in educating officials on the procedures and practices of public procurement, emphasizing that the success of the government depends on adherence to procurement laws.
The Governor’s representative said “As said in the scriptures, let your light so shine before men that they may glorify your father in heaven. Let our good works shine before the people of Rivers State so that they can have cause to glorify God that indeed the government they have voted for is doing well.
“The money does not belong to any of us, and the people need to know how we are spending their commonwealth. What we are learning today is the procedure and practices the people have laid down on how to spend their commonwealth. We should re-emphasize the fact that what we are doing today is crucial.”
The Governor warned that any official found wanting in procurement law would be held responsible and that commissioners and permanent secretaries who violate the law would be seriously frowned upon. He thanked Hon. Justice Mary Odili for her presence and guidance on transparency and good governance.
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The Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Justice Mary Odili, commended the Governor for putting the workshop together, stating that it would enhance accountability in governance. She pointed out the need for regular training exercises to ensure that all government and public offices understand procurement laws.
She said “It is an amazing program and I commend the Governor for making sure that the session takes place. It will enhance accountability in governance as it will bring understanding and opening of minds to what is expected and what the public deserves to know about government capital”.
The Acting Director-General of RSBoPP, Engr. Dr. Ine Briggs, praised the Governor for his example especially in compliance with procurement laws, noting that his actions serve as a model for other agencies. She stressed that the workshop was important to enlighten officials on procurement laws and that defaulters would face necessary actions.
The Governor was conferred with the Champion for Exemplary Compliance to Public Procurement Law award by RSBoPP, presented by Hon. Justice Mary Odili—the workshop aimed to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in public procurement processes.
