A construction firm, HADO Nigeria Limited, has written to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, requesting payment for road projects completed in 2016 and 2017 under former Governor Nyesom Wike’s administration, amounting to N467,073,921.16.
In a letter dated March 7 and received by the governor’s office on May 2, 2024, the company detailed the unpaid contracts, executed in two batches, and appealed for intervention to secure the outstanding payments.
According to SaharaReporters, the letter was signed by Paul Doumit and titled: “Request For Payment Of Outstanding Payments For: Ogbunabali Internal Roads And Ozuoba-Rumuosi And Ozuoba-Rumuokparaeli-Choba Roads.”
The letter elaborated on the specifics of the debts: “The Ogbunabali Internal Roads Project was completed in 2017 with an outstanding balance of N264,742,965.40 for IPC3 and retention. Similarly, Ozuoba-Rumuosi and Rumuokparaeli Road Projects were completed on December 14, 2016, with an outstanding balance of N202,330,955.76.”
The total outstanding sum for both projects is N467,073,921.16. The letter stated, “Contractor humbly solicits His Excellency’s intervention for the outstanding payments of the above-mentioned completed road projects.”
SaharaReporters recently reported that Governor Fubara disclosed his administration inherited a substantial debt burden from projects initiated by his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
He noted that several contractors, who handled different projects for Wike’s administration, were seeking their balance payments, amounting to billions.
This situation has intensified the ongoing tension between Governor Fubara and his predecessor and estranged godfather, Wike.
The former governor, known for his extensive infrastructure projects, including 12 flyovers, often claimed he had settled all payments for these projects.
However, Fubara, who served as the state’s Accountant-General during Wike’s tenure, revealed these debts as he announced his intention to probe Wike’s eight-year administration.
This revelation challenges Wike’s narrative and has added a new dimension to their political conflict.
