Group faults Delta assembly for approving N13.6b for new secretariat

A group in Delta State yesterday expressed dismay that the state House of Assembly approved N13.6 billion to build a new secretariat. The group’s convener, Rev. Francis Waive said it was insensitive to earmark such huge amount at a time when the citizens are facing hard times.

He said it was improper to embark on the project when local council workers and civil servants are being owed salaries and allowances for over one year. Waive added that primary school teachers and pensioners have also not been paid for years.

According to him, the group is concerned that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa could give priority to a secretariat project at a time like this. He also condemned the approval granted to the State Executive Council to borrow N8billion to finance the project.

“Okowa is increasing the state’s debt profile for generations yet unborn, after he had complained of inheriting about N700billion debt. What is wrong with the old secretariat built by the previous governors?” he asked.

Waive lamented that there was infrastructure decay and arrears of salaries, despite the fact that the governor had collected another N10b Paris Club loan refunds from the Federal Government.

He also queried the rationale for awarding the contract to the former General Manager of Zenith Bank Mr. Osadebe Osakwe’s North China Construction Group Limited on a contractor-financed basis.

According to him, the governor deceived the people by stating that most government ministries, departments and agencies have been operating from private buildings since 1991.