Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has warned the contractor handling the Bori Internal Roads project, who reportedly absconded with N4bn mobilization fund paid to him, to return to site.
Governor Fubara, who visited the site on Saturday, expressed anger that the contractor should abandon the project after more than 80 per cent of the agreed contractual terms had been paid.
The governor, who said the contractor’s approach was unacceptable, ordered him to return to site and complete the project, or face severe consequences.
He said “This project was awarded before my assumption of office. But I have made two payments for this project. The total value of this project is over N6bn.
“In the month of June, 2023, I paid the first N2bn, and in December, 2023, I also released another N2bn, making about 80 percent of the project value.
“So, I am surprised that somebody will say that we are not interested in completing this project that is in my Senatorial District,” the governor said.
Fubara said it was even more worrisome that after those payments were made, the contractor refused to move men and equipment to site.
The governor pointed to a very disturbing incident where the contractor sacked his front desk officer for receiving a letter sent by the Ministry of Works to demand an update on the project.
“I came here this afternoon to inspect the Bori internal roads under construction. And, honestly speaking, my major reason of coming here is because we got a very disturbing propaganda.
“Some persons were circulating negative reports on social media that we deliberately abandoned the continuation of Bori Internal Roads project. Maybe, the persons have political reasons.
“It is very unfortunate that everytime we find ourselves in this kind of situation. So, my coming here today is to let the world know of the situation.
“I don’t want to mention the name of the contractor, let it not be that I am being personal. But the contractor knows himself.
“He should better go back to site or I will do something that will embarrass him as a person,” he added.
The governor also assured the residents of the area who came out in their numbers to cheer him, that the road would be completed to ease movement.
He said, “I can assure you that this road project will be completed. You are my people, and there is no way I can abandon a project designed to serve my people, and give them a sense of belonging. So, rest assured that this road will be completed for your use,” the governor said.