Following the sack of the Commissioner of Environment by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, the governor has disclosed the actual reason for the termination of his appointment.
While speaking at event organized to capture signing of contracts for the construction of the Trans-Kalabari Road project phase one, and the Saakpenwa-Bori -Kono Road project phase two at Government House, on today, March 31, 2021 Wike revealed the reasons for the termination of the commissioner’s appointment , saying he “engaged in acts that amounted to sabotage.”
READ ALSO: Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike sacks Commissioner
The governor disclosed that Dr. Igbiks Tamuno, was fired for instructing Julius Berger (a construction company working in the state) to stop work without consulting him (Wike)
According to Wike:
I don’t know how a commissioner can write to a company to stop work without my approval. And Julius Berger for that matter, to stop construction in the entire State. I have never heard of such thing before. I didn’t know that commissioners have so much power like that.
I’m saying it because some of you don’t even know the limit of your power. These are contractors working for the state government. He (Tamuno) never interfaced with the Ministry of Works. We have paid Julius Berger and you ask them to stop work, so that they will come and ask for variation later?”
The Governor said the kick off of the construction of both Trans-Kalabari Road project phase one, and the Saakpenwa-Bori-Kono Road project phase two is a clear indication that his administration is fully committed to enhancing the economy of communities in the state by robust construction of access roads.
Wike revealed a financial plan to fund the accounts of the construction companies with a 1 billion naira monthly influx to ensure the timeline for the completion of the projects.
In his words:
So many people have said that all these things are political statements. That is why we want to let you know that they are not political statements. We are serious about it.
If there is one road that must be completed within time, it is that Trans-Kalabari Road. It is very key to us, to link up so many communities within the Kalabari area.
So, we have tied our funds to these roads, by every month; you don’t need to come to us, or write to us to say you’ve done 50 metres, 100metres or 1kilometres, no.
The money is paid to you directly every month by the banks. N1billion each.
For the Trans-Kalabari road, which is about N13 billion. We believed that you have no excuse not to finish the road in 14 months.
The governor admonished the communities to collaborate with the construction company to achieve a smooth construction process.
It will be recalled that Tamuno, who served as commissioner for environment was fired by the state governor, Nyesom Wike yesterday, March 30, 2021.
Daily Post.
