FG To Compensate States On Federal Roads - Jonathan
San Francisco, July 17, (THEWILL) - President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has assured State governments that undertake the rehabilitation of Federal roads within their domain of compensation.
Speaking at a civic reception in his honour at Uyo Sports Stadium, Thursday, during a two day working visit, Jonathan disclosed that the Federal Executive Council had approved that such an approach be communicated to the states "because it is good for Federal Government to make some refunds".
Jonathan, however, noted that a state that reconstructed a two lane federal road into an eight lane road should expect a refund for a two lane road, assuring that federal government will always work with the states to assist them succeed in terms of projects execution.
The President, who commended other Governors of the sister states for being in attendance to receive him, said the government of Akwa Ibom is focused as he had commissioned and inspected many projects, adding that they were not only just projects but were of high quality which means that Governor Godswill Akapbio is bringing change.
He said though the State was created in 1987, he started visiting it since 1994 when he was with OMPADEC and later when he was the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State but the growth he saw in the state is quite significant as it will not only change the face of Uyo but the face of Akwa Ibom State and solicited the peoples support and encouragement for the governor as he was happy they are all working with him.
Jonathan described the drainage system constructed by the state government as impressive and one of the best in Africa and commended the state for its vision, disclosing that every state he had visited has something unique to do which is a healthy competition amongst states as an expression of democracy and good governance.
He noted comparatively that though some contractors perform below standards, those handling projects in Akwa Ibom have performed creditably well, but frowned at the abandoned Science and Technology Park Project after payment of more than N5 million which according to him, he as a deputy governor, had witnessed its flag- off by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and called on the State Government to look into it.
Governor Godswill Akpabio in a welcome address, commended President Jonathan on his fight against corruption and other vices and his determination to make Nigeria a better place while pledging the state’s support and cooperation in his effort to "come and see good thing in Niger Delta as there is more than oil and militancy and we believe in you that you will succeed for the benefit of all Nigerians."
Akpabio disclosed that the state has spent over N90 billion naira on the reconstruction of five federal roads measuring 158 kilometers, N5.5 billion naira electrifying 852 communities and connected to national grid which had been transferred to the National Power Holding and he requested for refunds.
Other projects executed include a Fertilizer Plant, Independent Power Plant, five new hospitals, creation of 300 inter ministerial jobs, 200 urban roads measuring 456 kilometres, trained 250 children in the maintenance of various projects and the award of scholarship at various levels.
Projects commissioned by the President included the Ibom International Airport, its terminal, Banking district Road Network, Text Books for the State’s Free and Compulsory Education Programme, Flyovers II and III, and waste Management Maintenance Equipment and workshop at Itam Junction.
Others include 21 kilometre Ita-Ikot Oku Ikono dual carriage way phase I, Nung Udoe Itak-Okoita-Use Ikot Amama-Ibiaku Ikot Esifa Road Section I while he inspected the E-Library and Drainage project site, Itam.
In another development, President, Goodluck Jonathan said the Federal Government will not condone any act that will tend to derail the intent of the federal government of making the country a better place to live.
While speaking at a state banquet in his honour at Le-Meridien Ibom Hotel, Jonathan said the security agencies have been put on red alert to handle all vices including kidnapping and commended them for arresting some of the culprits on Wednesday.
Governor Godswill Akpabio in an opening remarks had earlier lauded Jonathan, whom he said his grand mother had foreseen something great in him as a child by calling him ‘Azikiwe’ and that the state will stand by him in all his endeavours and "when he gets there, you should not forget us".