Facts have emerged on how several millions of naira was allegedly paid for the Thursday’s inspection visit of the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof. Chike Edozien, to the Asaba downgraded International Airport through his Council of Chiefs and the endorsement of the Delta state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa for a second term.
The inspection visit, it was reliably learnt was also carried out to rubbish the indigene of Asaba, Uche Okpunor, whose firm, ULO Consultant had initially handled the contract for the downgraded airport but failed to deliver.
HardReporters recalled that the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA), House Committee on Work headed by the member representing Ethiope East, Evance Ivwurie, is probing the Chief Executive Officer of ULO Consultant, Uche Okpunor, who handled the failed run way project of the airport and other road contracts awarded to him.
The airport and the Maryam Babagida way have since been re-awarded to Setraco Nigeria Limited by governor Okowa.
During the Asaba airport visit, Godfrey Konwea who led the delegation on behalf of the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof. Chike Edozien who is currently on a medical vacation noted that “His Majesty, the Asagba who is currently on medical vacation asked us to inspect the airport, we have seen and this is wonderful” adding that “This is a great job that we are seeing here, we say a great thank you to His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for what is happening here,”.
According to the monarch’s representative who castigated the previous administrations of former governor Felix Ibru, James Ibori and Emmanuel Uduaghan for neglecting and marginalizing the state capital, Asaba stated “that Asaba people are peaceful and patient does not mean that we are weak, we have witnessed three democratically elected Governors in our state, this administration has not received half of the money others received but, he has done very well”.
The delegation through Mr. Konwea therefore used the inspection to endorsed governor Okowa for a second tenure saying that “From what we have seen, we the entire Asaba people and those residing in Asaba are grateful to Governor Okowa, we ask him to prepare for possibly, third term in office.”
Speaking, the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, thanked the Asagba-in-Council for taking time to inspect the projects being executed, noting that the Governor has created new towns and cities with the provision of infrastructure.
Special Project Director for the airport project, Mr. Austin Ayemidejor and the functional Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Mr. Fred Edafiogor took members of the Asagba-in-Council through the 3.4 kilometres runway, fire service station, VIP Lounge, Terminal Building, among others during the inspection visit.
Meanwhile, a member of the Asagba in Council, who pleaded for anonymity told HardReporters in confidence that they were allegedly bribed with several millions of naira to carry out their inspection visit to the downgraded Asaba airport followed by the endorsement of governor Okowa for a second tenure.
“Several millions of naira, about N10 million was dropped for our visit to the airport just to praise and endorse governor Okowa for a second tenure. Of course you and I know how serious the people will take the visit and endorsement when especially it’s coming from the revered palace of the Asagba of Asaba. It was all politics for a second tenure. Don’t be surprised that the Asagba himself might not be aware of this sponsored visit and the endorsement his name was used to carried out.
“Because of my up bringing and my kind of a person, I am very difficult to be coaxed with money not to speak the truth. Yes, Okowa is turning Asaba to a mini Dubai, but how durable are these “window dressing projects” and you ask yourself, is this actually what befits Asaba as a state capital with all the billions of naira accrued to the state.? It’s no longer news that past administrations failed us, but it’s not enough for Okowa to carry out substandard works in the state capital.” the aggrieved Asaba chief stated.
