News
Delta Gov’t paid 25%, not full N78B to Julius Berger – Oghenesivbe
…Says JB NIgeria is a Corporate Citizen
By Our Correspondent
Executive Assistant on Communication and Orientation to Delta State Governor, Dr Wilfred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq, has debunked fake news trending on social media, published by an online newspaper, alleging that the state government paid upfront contract sum of N78B to Julius Berger Nigeria, for the construction of three flyovers and road expansion projects in some parts of the state.
The EACOGOV in a statement at the weekend made available to newsmen, advised citizens of the state and the general public to ignore the fake news which emanated from a relatively unknown group of indigenous contractors, adding that no amount of propaganda would derail the ongoing deliberate efforts of the governor, Rt Hon Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, from advancing Delta through meaningful development and high quality infrastructure projects.
Oghenesivbe recalls that the governor personally disclosed recently during the inspection of some projects at Boji Boji Owa in Ika North East Local Government Area of the State, that the contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, had been fully mobilised with 25 per cent of the total contract sum, adding that the ground breaking event for the projects would be carried out between November and early December, after all preliminary works would have been concluded.
“We have mobilised Julius Berger with 25 percent of the total contract sum and they are doing the drawings, soil tests and all the necessary preliminary works now.
“Very soon, between now and first week of next month (December), we will have the ground breaking ceremony because everything is in top gear and we are going to keep to all our promises,” Oborevwori said.
Oghenesivbe wondered why some group of persons decided to mischievously peddle misinformation calculated to mislead Deltans and the general public over a transparent transaction between government and Julius Berger Nigeria, without seeking to know facts from the appropriate authorities in government, adding that governor Oborevwori will not indulge in any unscrupulous transaction that is against the interest of the people throughout his administration.
“Delta State Government could not have paid the entire N78 Billion contract sum upfront to Julius Berger Nigeria. It’s unimaginable and can never be true.
“The governor personally disclosed recently that 25% was released to the contractor. This reliable piece of information is in public domain and widely published by the mass media.
“Secondly, the state government and the governor could not have ignored Indigenous contractors, because there are several projects handled by some credible and capable indigenous contractors in the state.
“Thirdly, Julius Berger Nigeria is a Corporate Citizen of Nigeria by virtue of it’s status as a juristic person, duly incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC and a major player in the Nigerian Stock Exchange, as a Public Liability Company. The company’s Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, to Nigerians is second to none spanning several decades.
“Julius Berger Nigeria has the required technical and engineering expertise to deliver solid and durable infrastructure projects promised by governor Oborevwori under the MORE agenda, and no amount of blackmail and/or media propaganda will reverse the trend of ongoing quality projects across the three Senatorial districts,” Oghenesivbe assured.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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