Amaechi revokes Trans-Kalabari road contract
Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has revoked contract for the multi-billion Naira Trans-Kalabari Road project over failure of the contractors to mobilize to site after several efforts to persuade them were ignored.
Governor Amaechi made the disclosure on Thursday while delivering the 10th Anniversary Lecture in honour of Late Mr. Evans Osi, Founder and Publisher of the Independent Monitor Newspaper, in Port Harcourt.
The Governor explained that the decision to cancel the contract was based on the need not to allow abandoned projects litter the state, noting that his administration is determined to make a difference in governance, especially in the area of infrastructural facilities development as the contract would soon be re-awarded.
Governor Amaechi who spoke on the topic: “Repositioning the Niger Delta through Good Governance, the Rivers State example”, said that even though the Federal Government has not been fair to the people of the Niger Delta, the state must move forward, and so his administration is taking pragmatic steps to develop the area.
He said the position of the state government is to pretend that the Federal Government does not exist, and rather continue to carry out its developmental agenda, stressing however, that such development cannot be achieved without peace.
The State Chief Executive explained that on assumption of office, there was need to restore hope by guaranteeing the lives and property of Rivers people, but remarked that the challenge of security which was his primary responsibility was tackled.
The Governor stated that after development of the waterfronts, the state government intends to install cameras at strategic areas in the metropolis, while efforts are being on to get federal government approval to acquire a surveillance aircraft with in-built cameras.
Governor Amaechi reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for corruption, emphasizing that contract awards are made to pass through the Public Procurement agency in line with Due Process requirement.
He used the opportunity to highlight some of the achievements of his administration, particularly in road construction, health and education were emergency was declared, leading to construction of 250 new model primary schools, complete with state-of-the-art facilities.
The Governor also announced granting of N5 million for the training of journalists in the state, especially in Information Communication Technology in line with global trend.
The State Chief Executive thanked the family of late Evans Osi for inviting him, and described the late journalist as a man that stood for the truth when it concern public interest, because he was fearless in his brand of journalism.
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Andrew Uchendu said the late Osi distinguished himself in journalism practice and courageously pioneered the establishment of a local newspaper in Rivers State.
Earlier in a welcome address on behalf of the family, Mr Ikechi Osi, son of late Evans extolled the qualities of his late father, noting that as a true professional journalist, he has been able to groom some practitioners who are today making waves in the media industry and thanked the guests for honouring the occasion.
The event was also used to honour the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Sir Gabriel Toby, Chief Albert Horsfall, Chief Sampson Agbaru, Mr B. M. Wifa (SAN), Mr O.C.J. Okocha (SAN), Prof. Tam David-West and Chief Emmanuel Anyanwu with lifetime Achievement Awards.
