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From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has warned people of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), to desist from disrupting ongoing reconstruction of the Omoku-Egbema road in the area.
Fubara, who addressed monarchs, opinion leaders and other critical stakeholders from the area at the Government House, Port Harcourt, at the weekend, said those who disrupt projects would face dire consequences.
He expressed dismay at threats of disruptions on the project from beneficiary communities even after the initial contractor their leaders recommended failed to deliver after collecting N12.7 billion.
He said: “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 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 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Ogba Egbema Peoples Forum, another from a legal firm, demanding that the Omoku-Egbema Section of the road project be withdrawn from SETRACO and given to Julius Berger. I start wondering who gave such 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 and paying another money. Original cost of that job when it was awarded was N8.8 billion. It was reviewed to N13.3 billion.
“Original cost of that job when it was awarded was N8.8 billion. It was reviewed to N13.3 billion. Total amount released at that time before the revocation was N12.7 billion, so you understand how we feel about this.
“Now, we have re-awarded this job to SETRACO for N7.5 billion and we have already committed about N5.2 billion 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 necessary support and cooperation and you have a clean road.
“If you like to sabotage yourselves, don’t sabotage my own administration. I’m calm, but I will do you something you would not like. Every time it shouldn’t be protest, condemnation or complaints. It is getting to a time everyone comes together for progress of their community.”
