In a significant development for governance in Rivers State, the Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo, has officially screened and confirmed Lawrence Oko-Jaja, SAN, as the Chairman of the Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement (RSBoPP). This decision was made during a plenary session held on Friday at the Hallowed Chamber of the Assembly, situated within the Administrative Block of the Rivers State Government House.
The confirmation of Oko-Jaja was part of a broader screening process that also saw the approval of seven other nominees as members of the RSBoPP board. The confirmed members include Dr. Ernest Ibekwe Ekwe, Dr. Mina Ogbanga, Iseleye Amachree, Adokiye Oyagiri, Gift Alex-Hart, Mrs. Grace Osaronu, and Selinah Amoniea.
The screening and confirmation followed a formal request from Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who had sent a letter to the Assembly seeking the approval of these nominees. Speaker Oko-Jumbo read the governor’s letter during the session, which outlined the need for the board appointments in accordance with Section 1, Sub-Section 4 of the Rivers State Public Procurement Law No. 4 of 2008.
In his letter, Governor Fubara expressed, “Request for screening and confirmation of the members of the Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement; pursuant to the provisions of Section 1, Sub-Section 4 of the Rivers State Public Procurement Law No. 4 of 2008. It is my pleasure to forward the under-listed nominees to the Rivers State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as members of the Board of Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement.”
During the screening process, the nominees conveyed their commitment to leveraging their expertise to advance the state’s governmental policies and ensure effective implementation. Lawrence Oko-Jaja, upon his confirmation, assured that under his leadership, the board would prioritize ensuring value for money in all government contracts and procurements.
Speaker Oko-Jumbo emphasized the importance of trust and loyalty to the state government, advising the nominees to harmonize best practices with quality performance while upholding probity and accountability in all procurement activities managed by the Bureau.
Following the screening, the House confirmed the nominees by voice votes, recognizing them as highly suitable for their respective roles.
The session concluded with the House adjourning until September 4, 2024.
