By Nneka Nwogwugwu
Ondo and Ekiti states residents under the aegis of Great Patriots for Better Initiative, have protested over a N22billion abandoned Akure/Ado-Ekiti road dualization project.
The contract was awarded over 15 months ago by the Federal Government to Dantata and Sawoe construction company.
The protesters at the Igboba axis of the highway, in Akure on Wednesday, expressed their displeasure over the deplorable state of the road and lack of commitment to the project.
The group accused the contractor of failing to move to the site, 15 months after mobilization fees was paid by the government for the dualization of the road.
Speaking during the protest, the head of Project Monitoring of GPBI, Mr. Niyi Majofodun, said: “The state of the road has continued to aid activities of criminals engaging in kidnappings and killing.
“The dualization of Akure–Ado-Ekiti road was awarded to Dantata and Sawoe in 2020 and subsequently got mobilized in November 2020 however, the contractor refused to move to the site until a few days ago after our organization had petitioned the office of the Director-General of BPP over the abandonment of the project.
“It is on record that killings, kidnappings, robberies, raping and terrible motor accident have become uncontrollable on the said road (Akure–Ado-Ekiti).
“Mr. President should not allow his name to be dragged into the mud on this matter since he had performed his Constitutional right by awarding the contract and subsequently mobilized the contractor. Therefore, he must ensure his directive is complied with and carry out.”