Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has warned stakeholders in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area to desist from disrupting the ongoing reconstruction of the Omoku-Egbema Road or face dire consequences.
Fubara, addressing monarchs, opinion leaders and other critical stakeholders from the area at the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Saturday, said it was offensive to receive threats of disruptions on the project from beneficiary communities when an initial contractor their leaders recommended failed to deliver after collecting N12.7billion.
An embittered Fubara told the gathering, “When a group of people, irrespective of whatever prefix you attach to yourself, tend to threaten government, we need to call you to order. Maybe, you don’t understand the powers of the state government.
“I have the power to dethrone. And I don’t need any letter. But what is important with power is how you use it. I feel very bitter, seeing some persons, because of my calmness, are feeling they can take me for granted. If after this time, anything happens again, you will not believe what I will do to those connected to it.
“I got report of plans to stop the contractor. I got a protest letter from Ogba-Egbema Peoples Forum; another from a legal firm; demanding that the Omoku-Egbema section of the road project be withdrawn from SETRACO, and given to Julius Berger. And I am wondering, who gave these persons such power, to be so commanding?
“I don’t expect this from you. This project was approved for you people’s benefit. You nominated a contractor. The contractor failed. Now, we re-awarded the contract, and are paying another money.
“The original cost of that job when it was awarded was N8.8billion. It was reviewed to N13.3billion. Total amount released at that time before the revocation was N12.7billion.So, you understand how we feel about this.
“Now, we have re-awarded this job to SETRACO for N7.5billion; and we have already committed about N5.2billion to show you our commitment. SETRACO is not a pushover company. To make my position clear, SETRACO will continue with this job. I expect you to give the necessary support and cooperation, and you have a clean road.
“If you like to sabotage yourselves, don’t sabotage my administration. I’m calm but I will do you something you would not like. Every time shouldn’t be protest, condemnation or complaints. It gets to a time everyone comes together for progress of their community.”
Responding, Oba of Ogba Land, King Nwachukwu Obuohna Obi, Eze Ogba III, who led the stakeholders, had told the governor that the protest of the people on the project was provoked by lack of proper communication and engagements between the company and the communities.
The monarch thanked the governor for his intervention in the matter and his assurance on the delivery of quality road project, adding that the road was prone to damages because of heavy trucks that ply the route.
He pledged the continuous support of ONELGA people to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Also speaking, former chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Bro Felix Obuah, said the people’s demands to understand the nature of the contract was to protect government interest and ensure that the project was not compromised.