.Threatens to open more cans of worms if…
CHIGOZIE AMADI
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has revealed that his administration inherited a huge amount of debt running in billions of naira from the immediate past administration of the current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Governor Fubara made the revelation during the inauguration of the 10.89KM Ebubu-Aleto-Eteo road in Eleme Local Government Area of the State, to flag-off the celebration of the celebration of his one year in office anniversary.
Governor Fubara stated that most of the projects constructed and commissioned by his predecessor, Wike, were not fully paid for, adding that the contractors and firms the former administration could not pay are hunting his government for their payment.
The Governor emphasised how baffling the debt owned the contractors amounted to, given the public impression created of a clean balance sheet maintained with contractors.
He said, “Part of the problem this administration has is huge debt burden. Most of the projects that are being commissioned by past administration, the contractors are coming for their balance-payment and it is running into billions.
“I have said that I don’t want to talk because, I was part of that system. But, when you keep pushing me to talk, I will say it so that the people will know the true situation of things and be properly informed.”
He said the road project which was awarded on August 14, 2023, to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) at the cost of N6.7billion, serves as a proof that his administration is still focused on delivering development to the people despite the many troubles thrown at it.
“I am happy to be here and to join the good people of Rivers State to start this wonderful celebration of our first anniversary in the face of all the troubles. It shows that we are still focused, not minding the level of distractions.
“This road was awarded to CCECC as a contractor. It was awarded on the 14th of August, 2023. I believe that 14th of August was within my tenure. I am not saying ‘I’, but it was this administration that awarded it.
“This project was awarded at the cost of N6.7billion, and I can say boldly that no kobo is remaining. We’ve paid the contractor it’s complete sum. Our gathering here is to tell our people that their problem is our problem.”
Emphasising the significance of the road, Governor Fubara said it is a bypass to be used by motorists to avoid the deplorable sections of the East-West Road now under reconstruction, and by extension, a support to the Federal Government’s efforts to give hope to Nigerians and make life better for the people.
Governor Fubara thanked the people of Eleme for their support during the period of the execution of the project.
Performing the inauguration of the project, the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, congratulated Governor Fubara for remaining committed in service and development of the state despite the numerous distractions.
Governor Otti said, “I have always said it that leadership is about service. Anytime leadership departs from service, then, you are getting it wrong. Service should be service to the people, not service to self or very few interests. Anytime you are serving few people rather than the majority, you need to go and look at yourself again.
“So, for me, it’s all about good governance. Clearly, Governor Fubara came prepared, and I don’t believe that any distraction is enough to take his focus away from improving the welfare and interest of the people.
“So, I can assure you, Rivers people, that the dividends of democracy that you are seeing now is still a dress rehearsal. It is early in the morning, and I am sure that in no distance future, you will be seeing more.”
In his remark, the Executive Director, South-South Region of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), Engr. Eric Shen, expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in the company to handle the project, which has been completed with support from the Government, and cooperation from the host communities.
He said they were committed to delivering quality road that will serve the people for a long time, which was why they contended with the challenges of heavy vehicular traffic, daily business activities by traders on the road, and the rains to ensure timely delivery of the project within eight months.
