$700 Million For Second Niger Bridge Missing – Oshiomhole
Edo state governor, Adams Oshiomhole has alleged that $700 million (N140 billion) released for the yet to be executed second Niger bridge project is missing.
[article_adwert]
In a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Peter Okhiria and published on Premium times, Oshiomhole said the $700 million for the project was from the sovereign wealth funds.
“Rather than crucify Comrade Oshiomhole for the disclosure, former Minister of Works should direct his energy and explanation to the managers of the Sovereign Wealth Fund who have depleted the savings on the explanation that it was meant for the 2nd Niger Bridge,” the statement said.
READ ALSO:‘Corruption Is Our Bane Nothing Much’
“The revelation came from those who were managers of the Sovereign Wealth Funds and not figures manufactured by anybody. They told our committee that about $700m dollars were taken from the Sovereign Wealth Fund for the Second Niger Bridge project.”
“The real people who should apologize to Nigerians for their many sins against the country are those who expended so much of our resources without any corresponding achievements to show for it.
“In Edo state, the Aduwawa end of the Benin-Auchi road is almost impassable especially during this rainy season. As we speak, erosion has cut off the Benin-Auchi road into two and motorists are going through hell passing through that road. What about Benin- Abraka road; one hell of a road completely abandoned and vandalized. In the name of politics, they came trying to impress Edo people but ended up depressing all of us.”
READ ALSO: Oshiomhole Under Attack For Inciting Remarks Against Jonathan
But the former minister, Mike Onolememen denied the allegation stressing that Oshiomhole was misleading Nigerians with his allegations.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, guided by the Transaction Adviser, Roughton International, agreed to provide a refundable Catalytic Funding of N30bn. By May 2015, N10bn Catalytic Funding was paid from the Federal Ministry of Works’ SURE-P Budget to fast-track the early and sub-structural works of the bridge. This implies that the successful concessionaire, JB-NSIA Consortium, has responsibility for the design, finance and construction of the project, as well as its operation,” the former minister said.
Meanwhile, elder Godsay Peter Orubebe recently slammed Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state for his inciting statement against former president Goodluck Jonathan.
Source: Legit.ng
