JOE EFFIONG, UYO
Former Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly matters, Senator Ita Enang has accused Akwa Ibom state government of instigating communities to halt construction work on the dualization of Calabar/Itu federal highway.
He has also said that at least N695 million has been paid as compensation to property owners on a section of the road awarded to Juluis Berger PLC.
Enang on Thursday confirmed to Daily Sun on phone his earlier allegation last week Governor Emmanuel was the reason the roads project has not progressed .
He had alleged last weekend to newsmen while inspecting the road that construction work has stalled on some sections of the road because of hostility from communities over non-payment of compensation and accused agents of the state government of sponsoring traditional rulers and community leaders against the Federal Government.
He explained that part of the highway where compensation was not incorporated in their contract was the section awarded to CCECC under the FG Tax Credit Scheme while compensation on the section awarded to Julius Berger directly by the FG has been fully paid.
“At the instance of Governor Udom Emmanuel, he asked the Paramount Rulers and other traditional rulers to instigate the communities not to allow the road to be done.
“We had asked the state government to help pay compensation to that area awarded by NNPC as part of their contribution to the realization of that road and since all the buildings were approved by your state government please pay compensation while we do the road.
“But because it is a PDP led state, they don’t want me FG to have credit for the road because the FG is APC and not just that they are also instigating the communities.
“The traditional rulers who are speaking against the FG on this road are simply agents of Akwa Ibom State Government frustrating this project but I will not join words with them because they are who they are and because I am a titled chief; but I will take steps to ensure that the compensation is paid.” He explained.
Enang pointed out that communities in Cross River State have ensured a smooth construction of their own part of the road without being hostile to the construction companies because the Cross River government, being that of APC, has been able to dialogue with the communities.
He said that he has commenced discussion with the Niger Delta Development Commission to see how they could fund payment of compensation on sections of the road where compensation was not incorporated into their contract.
Ennang said the governor had a meeting with the traditional rulers of Ikot Ekpene, Ibiono Ibom and Itu and instructed them not to allow work on the road unless compensation is paid.
“Now the rains have set in; the contractors have the money in their hands and are ready to work but the state does not allow them to work. Who is losing now. Is it not the state?” He asked
Our correspondent called and sent a text message to the state commissioner for information and strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong, for reaction to the accusation five hours before filing this report; but there was no response.