A pro-justice group, Arewa Coalition for Security and Human Rights, has called on President Bola Tinubu to reconsider his decision to cancel the construction of Katsina-Kankara, Dutsinma-Maraban Kankara road.
While addressing press conference on Monday, alleged that the Federal Government merely cancelled the project for “pure political reasons”.
The group, therefore, on the president to investigate all road projects awarded by the works minister, David Umahi, and possibly redeploy or sack him, saying Mr Umahi’s actions have the potential to scare investors away from Nigeria.
Read the full statement below:
PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE AREWA COALITION FOR JUSTICE (ACJ) CALLING ON PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU TO RECONSIDER THE CANCELLATION OF THE KATSINA-KANKARA DUTSINMA-MARARABA KANKARA ROAD PROJECT ON MONDAY, JULY 22, 2024
We have gathered here today to express our deep concern and displeasure regarding the recent developments surrounding the award and subsequent cancellation of the contract for the Katsina-Kankara-Dutsinma-Maraba Kankara road project.
It is well-documented that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration pledged to prioritize infrastructural development across the nation to boost the economy and create employment opportunities. True to this commitment, the administration has indeed prioritized the development of critical infrastructure, including roads and housing. Among these crucial projects is the Katsina-Kankara-Dutsinma-Maraba Kankara road project, a strategic roadway spanning seven local government areas in Katsina State. This road, one of the busiest in the state, was awarded a contract for total repair in April this year.
We were elated by this development, as it promised to significantly improve the quality of life for residents of the adjoining communities and stimulate economic activities in a region plagued by banditry. However, we were alarmed to learn about the cancellation of this vital road project, which holds immense potential for the prosperity of Katsina State and Northern Nigeria.
The cancellation raises several critical questions:
1. Why Cancel a Strategic Project?
2. Why would the government cancel such an economically and socially beneficial project?
3. The road was set to enhance economic prosperity in the north and provide numerous employment opportunities for the youth We have it on good authority that it is the Katsina state governor, Dikko Umaru Radda and an aide to the president, Ibrahim Masari that went to the president and asked that the project be cancelled because it was awarded to a company linked to a member of the opposition PDP.
This is sad and it shows that these people have little or no regards for the state and they are bent on sabotaging the efforts of Mr president.
We want the public and indeed, citizens of Katsina to know this. Umahi merely cancelled the work based on the recommendation of the governor and an aide to the president for pure political reasons. How can we allow political sentiment on a project as important as this?
Implications of the Cancellation
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, who cancelled this project, appears to disregard the interests of the north and potentially President Tinubu. This cancellation could be seen as a deliberate attempt to create a rift between the president and the northern region.
Moreover, it portrays the administration negatively to the people of Katsina State and the north in general. Could it be that Umahi cancelled the work because he wants to re-award it to his proxy company?
Impact on the Contractor: The contract was awarded to VIPAN GLOBAL RESOURCES LIMITED, an indigenous contractor, following rigorous due diligence. The contractor had mobilized to the site without awaiting mobilization fees, demonstrating strong support for the administration’s infrastructural efforts.
Cancelling the contract is an unjust reward for their commitment. All necessary procedures were followed meticulously before awarding the contract. The road project was officially sanctioned on April 5, 2024, with Contract Number 8489, approved by the Bureau of Public Procurement and the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
The contractor was instructed to commence work on April 15, 2024, and complete it by April 14, 2026. The federal ministry of works handed over the road to the contractor on April 24, 2024. Why cancel a project that has followed due process? Is this cancellation not enough ground to show that Umahi is incompetent and does not deserve to be in the present cabinet?
The same minister that presented a project, defended it before the Federal Executive Council before awarding it only to turn back in less than four months to cancel it. We suspect that the cancellation may be politically motivated, possibly targeting opposition figures linked to the contractor.
Furthermore, the ministry’s reasons for the cancellation are not tenable, as there are projects with lesser budgetary provisions that were not canceled. This selective cancellation, especially of a northern project, raises concerns about a potential sinister motive. In light of these issues, we urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and direct the Ministry of Works to reverse this decision.
Canceling the project could discourage future investors who may fear that government contracts are unreliable.
Additionally, the government should consider the potential legal implications if the contractor seeks redress in court. We appeal to the President to allow the project to proceed in the interest of justice and fair play. We also call upon members of the National Assembly from the northwest to advocate for the reversal of this cancellation.
Furthermore, we urge the president to investigate all road projects awarded by Minister David Umahi and possibly redeploy or sack a minister like Umahi whose actions have the potential to scare investors away from Nigeria.
Lastly, we ask the people of Katsina, particularly those in the affected communities, to remain patient and await the President’s response. We trust in President Tinubu’s reputation as a listening leader. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed: Arewa Coalition for Security and Human Rights 22/7/2024
