BY ANDREW IKEHI
The Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA) has frowned at the zero operationalization of the Delta State Public Procurement Law, 2020 by authorities of the local government councils in the state.
Members of the state Assembly committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs expressed the State legislature’s position on this during an interface with the leadership of the State’s Public Procurement Commission, yesterday, in Asaba.
The committee, headed by the member representing Ukwuani State Constituency in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Chukwudi Dafe held that the development was not only worrisome, but a flagrant disregard to the existing law of the State.
Stressing that ignorant of the law was not an excuse, the committee warned that any local government council that flouts the law would be made to face the music.
While saying that this had become imperative in order to strengthen the principle of transparency and accountability in governance, the committee enjoined the leadership of the State public procurement commission to ensure adequate sensitisation of the various local government councils on the need to operationalise the public procurement law in their local government councils.
The committee further noted that the charge would help in strengthening the MORE agenda vision of the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori.
Earlier, the Director-General of the commission, Mr. Edwin Abraka had told members of the Assembly Committee that since the enactment of the procurement law ,it has not been in operation at the local government councils.
Joined by the Chairman of the commission, Mr. David Igbodo, the public procurement DG said that the interface with the Assembly Committee member had become necessary in order to intimate them on the development
He said, “ It is instructive to note that since the enactment of this Law, it has never been operated at the local government councils.
“Worried by this development and the potential stress this could cause the State Government, His Excellency the Governor gave directive to the Procurement Commission to come up with a plan for operationalization of Delta State Public Procurement Law, 2020 at the Local Government Councils.
“Furthermore, His Excellency directed that the Commission must consult relevant stakeholders to develop the plan.
“The purpose of our visit today is to meet with the very distinguished members of this committee, to discuss with you and to harvest your positions on this subject matter.”
“it is my hope that all of us working together with His Excellency, the Governor, the procurement reform of his Renewed Hope for More Agenda will bring prosperity to our people at the Local Government Areas of Delta State.
