Udengs Eradiri, the Labour Party (LP) gubernatorial candidate in Bayelsa, has tackled Douye Diri, governor of the state, for reportedly spending N30 billion to complete the 10.2km phase two of the glory drive dual carriageway.
Speaking on Wednesday after receiving officials of the US Consulate in Yenegoa, Erediri said he wondered how the road project, which was almost completed by Seriake Dickson, former governor of the state, could still gulp such an outrageous amount.
He said Timipre Sylva, a former governor of the state, completed the clearing component of the project, Dickson, his successor, carried out the sand-filling aspect while Diri was only expected to asphalt it.
The LP candidate said the implication is that Diri spent about N3 billion to construct each kilometre of the road.
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“Is this N30 billion part of the money that was spent from inception or the one they just used to tile that road? It means that one kilometre cost N3 billion,” NAN quoted Eradiri as saying.
“There is something wrong going on here. Somebody needs to explain to Bayelsa people how in 10 kilometres, you spent N30 billion on a road you did not sand-fill.
“If you tell us that you spent N30 billion in that place, then we need to know how much you spent in Ekeremor for a road that was practically done by the former administration.
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“This clarity needs to be done for us to know who we are dealing with. If we have somebody who is squandering our resources, they should come and tell us.”
Meanwhile Diri, during the inauguration of the 10.2km road, attributed the cost to contractual litigation.
The Bayelsa governor explained that the initial contractor had taken the state government to court for alleged breach of contract.
Diri had said the government opted for an out-of-court settlement.
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has slated the Bayelsa governorship election for November 11.
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