The briefing, held on Saturday afternoon, highlighted the necessity for collaboration and accountability in developmental initiatives in the region.
By TheInvestigator
During a recent media briefing at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar, Honourable Pius Ankpo Edet, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in Cross River State, addressed the ongoing tension between the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the State Government regarding the Nyaghasang road project. The briefing, held on Saturday afternoon, highlighted the necessity for collaboration and accountability in developmental initiatives in the region.
Ankpo stated, “The Nyaghasang road is a project initiated by the Cross River State Government.” He explained that the government had previously incurred debt to another contractor, which hindered progress on the project. “In December, the Cross River State Government was finally able to pay the outstanding debt owed to the previous contractor, which allowed us to re-award the contract to another company that is currently working on the site. Therefore, we were surprised to learn that the NDDC planned to commission a project they never awarded and that does not belong to them,” the Commissioner remarked.
Journalists present at the briefing.
He further clarified, “I want to be clear that we have a contractor who is still actively working on the site. All the drainage systems, walkways, and pavement have been completed by the Cross River State Government, including the culverts. We have finished the earthwork and installed the stone base. At this point, we were about to proceed with priming when erosion occurred, washing away some of the surface. While we were still making progress, we were informed that the NDDC intended to commission the project. I believe this is inappropriate.”
Condemning the NDDC’s actions, he added, “I do not think it was right for the NDDC to visit the site and claim to commission a project that belongs to the Cross River State Government. The project was initiated by the Cross River State Government, making us the rightful owners.”
In a spirit of cooperation, Ankpo extended an invitation, saying, “We are very open to collaboration with any government agency, both state and federal, willing to partner with us. As soon as I assumed office, I sent a letter to the Niger Delta Development Commission seeking partnership and synergy, and that letter is on file at their office.”
He concluded, “If the NDDC has any intentions regarding this project, it is important that they engage with the state government and notify us of their plans. I want to emphasize that any actions taken so far are misleading and should not be taken seriously, as they could lead to disunity within the united Cross River State Government.”