Daud Olatunji
In a heartfelt letter addressed to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Works, Engineer David Umahi, former Gubernatorial candidate, Ogbeni Lanre Banjo, commended the minister for his impressive performance and unwavering commitment to transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape.
Banjo expressed appreciation for Umahi’s passionate stance on the design of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road, emphasizing the need for concrete construction from kilometer 0 to 38.
The former gubernatorial candidate lauded the minister’s refusal to accept substandard work, citing the prevalent issue of roads deteriorating within a short period after construction.
The letter highlighted the minister’s bold revelations about infractions in the award and implementation of contracts, describing them as the eyesore of infrastructure in the country.
Banjo pointed out the collaboration between contractors, supervising engineers, and consultants in misappropriating public funds, leading to poorly executed projects with inflated costs.
In the wake of these challenges, Banjo urged the minister to stay the course and resist intimidation or blackmail, citing the recent case of Honourable Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, who faced adversity after exposing discrepancies in the rehabilitation of the Ijebu-Igbo Ibadan road.
The former gubernatorial candidate suggested policy measures for consideration, including strengthening whistle-blowing mechanisms, mobilizing citizens to take ownership of government projects, and holding accountable supervising engineers and consultants colluding with contractors.
Banjo also proposed blacklisting and prosecuting culpable consultants and encouraging citizens to participate in the construction business to boost the national economy.
Banjo encouraged Minister Umahi to remain steadfast in his mission, assuring him of support from the voiceless masses and challenging him to continue making a positive impact on the nation.
The letter closed with well wishes for the minister’s successful tenure and a resounding “Long live Nigeria! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
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