The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Cross River State government have collaborated to streamline community road projects to avoid conflict.
The Commissioner representing Cross River State on the board of the NDDC, Orok Duke said that the commission has a list of roads captured for execution across the state, which were different from those undertaken by Governor Bassey Otu.
Duke, who refuted claims that the Nyanghasang community road project in Calabar Municipality was executed by the commission, explained to reporters that the road was not captured for execution by the NDDC.
It could be recalled that there was misunderstanding amongst community members as to the true executor of the Nyanghasang road project, which some politicians attempted to usurp as part of their programme for the constituency.
The NDDC commissioner stated in clear terms that the Nyanghasang community road remained a project of the Cross River State Government, dating its origin to the administration of former Governor Liyel Imoke.
He explained that the road, which is currently under construction, is being handled by the Cross River State Ministry of Works as part Governor Otu’s People First intervention rather than the NDDC.
Orok Duke categorically stated, “if anyone is in a position to clarify this issue, it is me. I represent the NDDC in this state and I am fully aware of all NDDC projects as captured in our budget.
“I want to categorically reiterate here and now that the Nyanghasang Road project is not an NDDC initiative. From its inception to this point, the entire effort has been undertaken by the state government,” he emphasized.
He lamented the misunderstanding amongst the people, attributing such to attempts by politicians to siphon public funds, mislead constituents and describing such action as a betrayal of trust, lack of transparency and accountability to the people.
“Some individuals from the National Assembly came in, hurriedly asphalted a section of the road and tried to claim ownership. There is no Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME), voucher or Award Letter to substantiate their claim. It is unfortunate that Cross River is being used as a smokescreen for financial misappropriation,” Duke asserted.
Transparent Synergy
Responding to a question on documentation of NDDC projects in Cross River State, Duke insisted that the commission has properly documented and budgeted for all its interventions across the eighteen local government areas as has been upheld in the 9 Niger Delta States.
He said, “At NDDC, we insist on transparent processes including proper site handovers devoid of political manipulation. If Nyanghasang were an NDDC project, it would have followed due process involving the Cross River State government and not an individual.
“The commission adheres to due process and takes partnership with the nine state governments seriously. The NDDC is committed to fulfilling the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Nigerian Government for the people of the region and we can only achieve that in synergy with the States,” he further reiterated.
Documented Evidence
Also speaking, the Cross River State Commissioner for Works, Pius Ankpo reaffirmed the that the Nyanghasang road was one of the state government’s road project linking communities in Calabar Municipality.
Ankpo, who was armed with relevant documentation proved that the road project was awarded and fully funded by the state, government under the previous administration and continued by Governor Otu.
The commissioner stated, “this road is vital to the people and government of Cross River State. The construction has been ongoing, except for a short segment that was previously delayed. Governor Otu made its completion a priority upon assumption of office.”
He described the attempt by an individual to usurp the project as “deceptive and unfair”, maintaining, “this road project is neither an NDDC nor a Federal Government initiative.”