• Govt accused of awarding fake contract
• Allegations false, unfounded- Works Commissioner
From Fred Itua, Abuja
Forum of Delta State Contractors has called on the Economic and Finance Crimes Commission (EFCC), to investigate the Delta State government over alleged fake contract to Julius Berger to the tune of N78 billion
The contractors in a statement signed by their leader, Solomon Ejiroghen, said the government of Delta state abandoned the local contractors in Delta and neighbouring states, and gave out a contract for the
expansion of a section of the DSC/NPA Expressway, including a cloverleaf interchange at the existing Effurun flyover to foreign contractor with the intent of getting a kick-back.
Part of the contract also involved construction of two pedestrian bridges, flyover bridges at Enerhen junction to Marine Gate, DSC roundabout and PTI junction.
The forum also alleged that the foreign company has already returned a kick-back of about N50 billion from the full payment of N78 billion already and they suspect that these monies are meant for diversion or yet to be revealed purposes.
Ejiroghen also alleged that the contract is a for mopping up funds “for only God knows what. Are they mopping us these funds for the unforseen circumstances?”, they queried.
He also stated that the Delta State government plans to do a Variation of Project to recoup the N50 billion kick-back.
The forum also kicked against payment of full contract sum instead of the initial 15 per cent or 25 per cent as the case maybe and alleged that there are plans to increase the contract to about N125 billion after variation.
When called to react to the issue, Sir Festus Ahon, Chief Press Secretary, (CPS), to Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, asked, Do you think Julius Berger will pad project? Pls call the commissioner for works in charge of urban and highway roads, Comrade Reuben Izeze.
Izeze said: “Those who lost elections are the people fighting. The governor won the elections and has no reason to bribe anyone. We only paid 25% to the contractor and we have no plans to have any contract variation.”