Indigenous contractors, Delta State govt trade blames over N78bn contract

From Fred Itua, Abuja

Indigenous contractors in Delta State have called on the Economic and Finance Crimes Commission (EFCC), to investigate the Delta State government over alleged fake contract to a multinational construction company to the tune of N78 billion

The contractors who are members of Forum of Delta State Contractors, in a statement signed by their coordinator, Solomon Ejiroghene, 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 a foreign contractor with the intent of getting a kick-back.

But the Commissioner of Works in Delta State, Izeze Reuben, in a chat with newsmen, described the claims as false and defended the action of the state government.

He said those who lost out in the 2023 general elections are using local contractors to fight the state government.

According to the local contractors, part of the contract also involved the 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 is expected to return some kick-backs from the payment of N78 billion and that “they suspect that these monies are meant for elections litigation cases coming up soon.

Ejiroghene also alleged that the contract is for mopping up funds to prepare ahead of the court cases.

He also stated that after the court cases, the Delta government plans to do a Variation of Project to recoup the 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. Festus Ahon, media aide to Delta State Governor, in a telephone conversation with Daily Sun, declined to respond to the allegations.

But the Works Commissioner while dismissing the allegations, said the State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, won convincingly and doesn’t need to bribe anyone.

Mr. Reuben insisted that what was paid to the contractor was only 25% and the project is expected to be completed in 27 months.

He further dismissed claims that plans were underway to have a contract variation and jerk up the contract sum significantly.