‘Politically motivated’ — northern group kicks against ‘cancellation’ of Katsina road project

The Arewa Coalition for Justice (ACJ) says the “cancellation” of  a N147.6 billion road project in Katsina was politically motivated.

In June, David Umahi, minister of works, said the sum of N300 billion has been released for the emergency repairs of 330 roads across the country, including the Katsina-Dustsinma-Maraban road.

“There is also approval for the immediate procurement of full rehabilitation of the road in Katsina state. That is the road on the Katsina-Dustsinma-Maraban road in Katsina state and it is approved for immediate selective procurement,” Umahi said.

Reacting to the alleged cancellation of the contract during a press briefing in Kaduna on Tuesday, Ibrahim Muhammad, spokesperson of the group, said the road rehabilitation is an “economically beneficial” project.

Muhammad said the project was already awarded to Vipan Global Resources Limited, an indigenous firm, after “fulfilling all the requisite requirements”.

He said the project was cancelled because it was “awarded to a company linked to a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)”.

He added that the road is one of the busiest as it connects Katsina to several communities and other states.

“We were elated by this development, as it promised to significantly improve the quality of life for residents of the adjoining communities and stimulate economic activities in a region plagued by banditry,” he said.

“However, we were alarmed to learn about the cancellation of this vital road project, which holds immense potential for the prosperity of Katsina state and northern Nigeria.

“Why would the government cancel such an economically and socially beneficial project?

“We have it on good authority that the project was cancelled because it was awarded to a company linked to a member of the opposition PDP.

“This is sad and it shows that these people have little or no regards for the state and they are bent on sabotaging the efforts of Mr President.

“How can we allow political sentiment on a project as important as this?

“This selective cancellation, especially of a northern project, raises concerns about a potential sinister motive.

“We appeal to the President to allow the project to proceed in the interest of justice and fair play.

“We also call on members of the national assembly from the northwest to advocate for the reversal of this cancellation.

“Additionally, we urge the president to investigate all road projects awarded by Umahi.”

The federal ministry of works did not immediately respond to requests for comments from TheCable.