DG Wants Councils To Comply With Procurement Laws

The Director General of Rivers State Bureau of Public Procurement, Mr Igonibo Thompson, has advised principal officers of local government councils in the state to comply with extant public procurement laws.
Thompson, who stated this while speaking with newsmen during a training organised for key officers of councils in the state in Port Harcourt yesterday, warned them to stay away from direct labour.
He remarked that a procurement entitled deriving its funds from government was obligated to adhere strictly to public procurement laws of the state.
The Director General, however, praised the local councils for the positive responses the Bureau was getting and pointed out that prior to this time, they did not know anything about the observance of the rules of public procurement.
Speaking during the workshop with the theme, “Fundamentals of Public Procurement and Its Implementation”, Mr. Koniprim Tom George, warned that violators of public procurement laws were liable to two years imprisonment or the option of N250,000 fine.
Mr Koniprim who delivered a lecture on the above theme noted that openness, fairness, efficiency, among others were the fundamental principles of public procurement.
He listed procurement that might not follow due process to include the purchase of military equipment as well as procurement by donor agencies.
Mr Koniprim described such as exceptions to the rule.
The training of key officers of the local councils included directors of procurement, works, budget, legal officers and treasurers.

By: Chidi Enyie