Some Roads Awarded by Former Governor Obaseki Not Properly Documented – Edo State Committee

Some Roads Awarded by Former Governor Obaseki Not Properly Documented – Edo State Committee

By Fly Cable News

The Edo State Assets Verification Committee has revealed that some roads awarded under the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki were not properly documented.

Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, the committee chairman, disclosed this in a press briefing on Thursday, stating that these roads were not accurately recorded in the Ministry of Roads and Bridges (now Ministry of Works) files presented to the committee.

He also highlighted a significant financial burden left by the previous government, with about ₦200 billion in outstanding payments to contractors for ongoing road projects. Umakhihe claimed that while road contracts were awarded in 2024, contractors were only provided with mobilization funds, and in some cases, money was reportedly returned to government officials. This situation, he said, has delayed the progress of the road projects.

The committee further observed inadequate supervision by the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and alleged that some road contracts were awarded with the upcoming September 2024 governorship election in mind.

There were also reports of non-compliance with the Edo State Public Procurement Law in awarding major contracts, with numerous instances of questionable contract variations, sometimes exceeding the original amounts.

Despite these findings, Umakhihe emphasized the importance of utilizing the dry season to continue some of the projects, as Edo residents deserve quality road infrastructure.

The committee submitted an interim report to Some Roads Awarded by Former Governor Obaseki Not Properly Documented – Edo State Committee

The Edo State Assets Verification Committee has revealed that some roads awarded under the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki were not properly documented.

Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, the committee chairman, disclosed this in a press briefing on Thursday, stating that these roads were not accurately recorded in the Ministry of Roads and Bridges (now Ministry of Works) files presented to the committee.

He also highlighted a significant financial burden left by the previous government, with about ₦200 billion in outstanding payments to contractors for ongoing road projects. Umakhihe claimed that while road contracts were awarded in 2024, contractors were only provided with mobilization funds, and in some cases, money was reportedly returned to government officials. This situation, he said, has delayed the progress of the road projects.

The committee further observed inadequate supervision by the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and alleged that some road contracts were awarded with the upcoming September 2024 governorship election in mind.

There were also reports of non-compliance with the Edo State Public Procurement Law in awarding major contracts, with numerous instances of questionable contract variations, sometimes exceeding the original amounts.

Despite these findings, Umakhihe emphasized the importance of utilizing the dry season to continue some of the projects, as Edo residents deserve quality road infrastructure.

The committee submitted an interim report to Governor Okpebholo, and plans to resume its work on January 6, 2025, to further investigate and guide the government’s decisions., and plans to resume its work on January 6, 2025, to further investigate and guide the government’s decisions.