As a responsible govt, we had to intervene – Jonathan
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan today disclosed that the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway was withdrawn from the Bi Courtney company due to evident non performance by the construction firm.
The road which is about 127.8 kilometers will cost N167 billion.
Jonathan stated this during the flagging-off ceremony for the reconstruction of the expressway.
The new companies that will be handling the reconstruction are Julius Berger Plc and Reynold Construction Company, RCC.
President Jonathan arrived the venue in the same helicopter marked Nigerian Air Force NAF 540 with Governor Ibikunle Amosun at exactly 10:15am, with the Governor later complaining that he was not officially informed about the ceremony. According to him, he learnt about it on TV.
Earlier before his arrival, the Inspector General of Police,Mohammed Abubakar had arrived in a Police helicopter marked 5N- KSH at 10:00am followed by the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Azubuike Ihejirieka who was on Nigerian Army helicopter marked NAF 573 accompanied by another Army helicopter, NAF 571.
Speaking at the event, which was turned into a political carnival by the South West PDP, Jonathan however dampened enthusiasm when he revealed that the road will be completed in the next 48months, meaning the agony on the road will continue till 2017. Jonathan sued for patience by the road users.
“This road is very important to us because it is the busiest road in Africa and fifty percent of the economic activities in the country are carried out between Lagos and Ogun States. The reconstruction was also being necessitated by the increasing level of carnage or death tolls along the express road”, Jonathan stated.
He later commended the governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun for the infrastructural development his administration has embarked upon, which according to him, has changed the face of Ogun State.
In his address at the event, Governor Amosun lauded the federal government for the bold step, charging them to extend the gesture to other major roads in the State which are also important for everyday business of the people.
According to Amosun: “I have to commend the federal government for the bold step taken in ensuring that this road is being attended to, but I have to let Mr President know that there are two other major roads that need urgent attention in the State. The 25 kilometre Sagamu-Mosimi-Ikorodu road and Sagamu Interchange- Papalanto road. It is worthy to be noted that about 70percent of the petroleum products used in the country is being lifted from Mosimi area while Papalanto area is where the Olorunsogo Power Plant is being located. The federal government should as a matter of urgency come to these roads for the benefits of all the people”.
Among the dignitaries at the event are the Minister for Works, Arch. Mike Onolememen, Minister of State for Works, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Works, Dr. A.K. Muhammed.
Party leaders and supporters from the southwestern States of Nigeria were at the event which was marred with political rivalry that nearly ended in a fight.
President Jonathan left the venue at exactly 11:15am accompanied by Governor Ibikunle Amosun. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
They have come again. Talk, talk, talk and no action. 4 yrs? All in the name of 2015 I guess! Let's see when work will start on that road, maybe when one of their close family dies. Wicked corrupt people.
ReplyDeleteI ask, why four years? The importance of the Express Road to the economy of the country can not be doubted. I sincerely believe between eighteen months and two years should be reasonable for the completion of the road. Julius Berger and RCC are reputable road construction companies and are noted for adhering to completion of roads at a record time. Availability of funds should not be a major problem because of the importance of the major road to the country. My belief is that a rethinking about the completion of the road should be worked out as soon as possible.
ReplyDeletePolitical gimmicks, all these are targeted towards getting 2015 mandate. It is clear that our politicians are selfish, wicked and callous. If not, why would he allow 4 additional years of agony for the people that voted him in 2011?
ReplyDeleteWe are waiting and watching as history will be unfolded in 2015.