The attention of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Finance has been drawn
to a publication on one of the National Newspapers that a Revenue
Consultant has taken all the 36 States and the Governors’ Forum to
court with the claim that it handled the Paris Club over-deductions
from states accounts as the primary consultant and alleged that fees
from the Paris Club refund are being paid to an unknown consultant.
In a statement in Yenagoa, the commissioner for finance, Maxwell
Ebibai, called on the good people of Bayelsa State and the general
public to be informed that, the Government did not and has never
engaged the services of a Revenue Consultant, in respect of the Paris-
Club over-deductions or refunds, neither has it paid any funds to any
consultant.
It is however, pertinent to note that, the previous Government had
some conflicting consultancy relationships, in respect of other sundry
revenue matters on such terms that are out of tune with the standard
practices as obtainable in sane climes.
The finance commissioner says, the Ministry of Justice is vigorously
defending the State’s position in the court of law as appropriate.
In line with the policy thrust of the Restoration Government to ensure
accountability, transparency and high ethical standards in the conduct
of Government business, the good people of Bayelsa State are assured
that this Government will do all within its powers and resources to
ensure that, no unscrupulous consultant takes undue advantage of the
Government.
He adds that, the Government will seek every available option for
redress in the Court of Law to ensure that, only those whose services
are genuine and add value get paid, in terms of reflective value for
money and commensurate with the value proposition delivered.
That, the hard earned resources of the state will continue to be
deployed in the best interest of the developmental aspirations of the
people of Bayelsa State.
Ebibai, therefore, enjoins Bayelsans to discountenance the said
publication, as the Restoration Government of Governor Henry Seriake
Dickson takes seriously the social contract between the Government and
the people of Bayelsa State with every sense of responsibility and
will do all it can to uphold and protect it.