From Lateef Taiwo
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike has condemned in a strong term a situation where projects meant for the betterment of members of the public would be obstructed just because of personal interest of an individual or organisation.
Wike made this known while on an inspection tour of ongoing road projects at Guzape Lot 2, handled by Gilmour Construction, and Roads B6 and D12 along the Constitution Avenue, handled by Julius Berger Construction all within the Federal Capital City (FCC).
The Minister appears unhappy when the contractors handling the projects complaints of a certain House of Representatives Member obstructing the construction in Guzape, and barriers placed by the Central Bank obstructing Construction at road B6.
“We are not going to take it lightly. This is not a private project, it is a public project, handled by the Federal Capital Territory Administration. If there is any complaint, we think that whoever is responsible should complain to us and not to go and use Police to stop a legitimate company constructing work for the use of the public, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council.
” We have directed the contractor to go back and make sure they don’t heed to that so called stoppage. They must go back and complete the work, which we are expecting that Mr President will Commission in May.
Coming to the B6 and D12 Area, we are happy with the work done by Julius Berger. We are very happy, and we are trying to observe some obstruction by the Central Bank, which of course, we will not allow that. You see, one thing with institutions is that when they apply for land, and they are trying to give them, they will go beyond what was given to them, and it causes obstruction. I have always said anything for the public, we will not take it for granted. So, we want the Central Bank to allow us use what belongs to us for the interest of the public”, he said.
The Minister also noted that no ongoing project had been stopped since the inauguration of President Bola Tinubu, adding that after the May deadline, other projects should be handed over to the public by December 2.
“By and large, we are very happy with what we are seeing and you can attest to the fact that since Mr President came on board, no work has stopped in all these sites. There are so many other sites, but it will be difficult to take all at the same time. But we believe after May, before December 2, so many projects will be handed over to members of the public”.
Commenting on why he had seemingly not been carrying the Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe along, Wike said “As my Senator, she represents the FCT, and when they are in legislation, she makes sure that the interest of the FCT is taken into consideration. So, when you mean carrying along, I don’t award contracts. Contracts are being awarded by the Federal executive Council. If there is anything I think she should add her voice in the National Assembly, as regards the FCT, I will do that”.
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