Delta state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has said that contrary to the figure being paraded by those he called mischief makers, the actual contract value of the Asaba International Airport is 27.7 billion naira.
The governor while briefing journalist in Asaba on Thursday , said that the contract of demolishing the hills at the Airport site was part of the initial contract cost of the airport.
He explained that there was no new contract awarded for the demolition of the hills but that two more contractors were engaged to assist in bringing down the hills.
“Some people wrote petition on the cost of the Airport. I want to tell you that the contract Value of the airport is 27.7 billion naira. There is no new contract cost for demolishing the hills of the Airport site,” he said, adding: “What we did was to invite two other contractors to join the main contractor to demolish the hills. The cost was all included in the contract cost of 27.7 billion naira.”
Dr. Uduaghan also announced that the Section A of the Ughelli-Asaba dualization would be terminated and re-awarded to a new contractor within the week to accelerate the completion of the project.
He said the new contractor would move to site by next week to continue from where the former contractor stopped.
The governor explained that his administration was concentrating on road construction in major cities and villages in the state during the dry season and expressed his determination to build a good net work of roads in the state.
“As a state we are on course with our agenda and building a state beyond Oil through infrastructure development. We are using Ministry of Works to handle the road contracts. DLA is carrying out repairs on some roads in the state,” he said.
He noted that his administration was also building a state beyond oil through peace and security and human capital development stressing that a lot have been achieved in these spheres.
In the area of peace and security, Dr Uduaghan said the crime rate in the state had
reduced drastically as a result of the ban on Okada in major cities in the state and stated that the ban would be extended to other towns in no distance time.
In answer to a question, the governor announced that his administration would soon introduce road marshals in the state even as he explained that as soon as the bill for the introduction scaled through the State House of Assembly, marshals would start functioning and ensure free flow of traffic.
He also stated that environment Marshals would also be introduced to enforce environmental laws in the state in order to ensure a healthy sanitary culture among Deltans.
“We are still primitive about observing a clean environment. It is an individual attitude, we should learn to have a good sanitary habit. We are planning to introduce environmental Marshals to help enforce environmental laws,” he said.
Governor Uduaghan said his administration was building infrastructure in the higher Institutions in the state to bring them to modern standard and promised that the development would gradually spread to all schools in the state as soon as funds were available.
He also promised to give Delta State University, Anwai Campus a face lift even as he explained that most of the old buildings would be pulled down.
Responding, the Chairman of Nigerian Union of Journalist, Delta state, Mr. Norbert Chiazor Commended the governor for his support for the Union. Chiazor therefore pledged the support of the Union to Delta state government.
He informed the governor that the proto-type of the NUJ Secretariat was ready and solicited the governor’s assistance in building the secretariat.
… ..As Delta leaders,Again warn Rita Lori, others, urge support for government
Delta leaders, under the aegis of The People’s Movement, on Thursday reflected on the state of affairs in Delta State, giving Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan a pass mark in democratic practice and service delivery.
A statement issued by the Director of Communications of the People’s Movement, Mrs. Ibifuro Tatua on Thursday in Lagos, described allegations of poor performance, kidnap of a serving judge in the state and profligacy as colourless, laughable and a deliberate malice to bring down the governor.
The statement said “In a country where some governors recklessly abandon their responsibilities to the people, abuse their offices through ostentatious lifestyle amidst mass poverty and through glaring indiscipline, Uduaghan has over time built for himself the integrity for redeeming promises made to the poor and the needy as well as working for the interest of the people in the state”
The leaders lamented the unwarranted and provocative attacks on the governor aimed at destroying his rising political profile, his special relationship with the presidency and key political actors in Nigeria and abroad, warning against the likely negative consequences such a development was likely to have to the state.
The leaders advised politicians and elders in the state, particularly those whose ambition to remain eternally as plunderers of resources to temper ambition and greed with concern for the public good.
“Leaders at whatever level must demonstrate a certain degree of decency and exemplary conduct. Desperate politicians, those without ideas and popular goodwill are running away from real issues and resorting to character assassination and personal abuse. These people, mainly elders and politicians, are not united by the common desire to move Delta State forward but to bring down Governor Uduaghan and his unprecedented record of performance” they said.
The leaders extolled the virtues of the governor, emphasizing that his visionary, exemplary and transformational leadership has taken Delta State to an all-time high level since 2007.
“We know that posterity will be on your side for the good works you are doing in Delta State just as we know that the founding fathers of the state believe you have surpassed their expectations in less than six years”
On the impact of the administration, the leaders said like a pathfinder, the governor has within five years charted a new course of development for the people of Delta State.
“On assumption of office, Uduaghan promised to leave indelible and enduring legacies for the benefit of the people and future generations. This promise has translated into a lot of viable and very meaning projects. He has also moved in to wipe the tears of the people”.
Taking a tour into Uduaghan’s acts in the health sector, it is evident that the state is in for the best. All the general hospitals have been have been rehabilitated. The out of stock syndrome, which had crippled hospitals efficiency in other states, has already been confined to the dustbins. Drugs are constantly purchased and distributed to hospitals and other health institutions in the state.
“On the education turf, Uduaghan has reminded the people of the state that investment in that sector is the only way to control and stem the tide of youth restiveness. Apart from the renovation of primary and secondary schools, the government has awarded scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students in local and foreign universities.
“Recently, Uduaghan shocked athletes and officials of Team Delta with a big cash reward of one million each for every gold medal won at the Eko 2012 National Sports Festival. Uduaghan also announced automatic employment and scholarship for all gold medalists at the fiesta, while selected silver medalists also enjoyed the same gesture.
“Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission has so far completed 790 people oriented projects since its inception. The projects completed include school buildings, water schemes as well as hospitals and health centres. The Ministry of Women Affairs recently rehabilitated 1720 physically challenged people. The new Government House, Asaba International Airport, Asaba General hospital, beautification and massive reconstruction of roads are there for all to see. Uduaghan is also committed towards maintenance of existing road network”
The leaders while thanking the governor for embarking on measures to protect the environment and make it safer for the people, urged Deltans at home and abroad to join forces with the governor to move the state forward.
“Governor Uduaghan is working very hard to ensure that the funds available to him are spread round effectively to achieve maximum effect” they said.
