Bridge construction: Monarch petitions Nasarawa legislature over neglect
NAN-H-46
Bridges
By Awayi Kuje
Lafia, May 3, 2017 (NAN) The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has summoned the Overseer of Loko Development Area of the state, Alhaji Iliyasu Aliyu, over the abandonment of four bridges being constructed in the area.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Mr Mohammed Okpoku, made this known in Lafia on Wednesday while briefing newsmen.
Okpoku said the committee received a petition from the Paramount ruler of Oche Agatu in the area, Mr Ahmed Guto, over the neglect of the construction of the bridges in his domain.
He said that the committee had invited the council overseer and the Director of Works to appear before the committee on May 8 to explain why they neglected the project.
Okpoku, who represents Udege/Loko constituency, commended Gov. Tanko Al-Makura for making funds available for the construction of bridges and culverts across the state.
The lawmaker said that it would open up rural areas, stimulate agriculture and socio-economic activities across the state.
“The committee was in receipt of a letter of complaint from the paramount ruler of Oche Agatu in Loko Development area, Mr Ahmed Kwanaki Guto, in respect to the construction of bridges in Okoh 1, Okoh 2, Okoh 3 and Okoh 4, respectively.
“The complain of the monarch is that since the blending of the four bridges, the projects were abandoned, that is why we as committee resolved to summon the overseer of Loko development area and the council director of works to appear before the house on May 8.
“We invited them to explain why the projects were abandoned after Gov. Tanko Al-Makura released funds for the construction of bridges and culverts across the state,’’ the legislator said.
Okpoku said that the committee would not condone anybody to sabotage the governor’s efforts towards improving the standard of living of the people in the state.
He, however, said that the committee would sustain its oversight function of all ongoing projects in local governments and development areas across the state to ensure that the projects met specifications.
The chairman explained that the inspection was not meant to witch hunt anybody, pointing out that the committee is mandated by the House as part of its oversight functions to ensure that quality jobs were done in the interest of peace and development.
He reiterated the commitment of the assembly to continue to enact laws that has direct bearing on the lives of the people of the state and the country at large.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Al-Makura in February released more than N700 million to the 13 local governments and 18 development area councils in the state to construct bridges and culverts. (NAN)
AKW/MNA/MST
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu/Muhammad Suleiman Tola