A former Nigerian Senator and human rights activist, Shehu Sani has described the revocation of the contract for N740 billion Abuja – Kaduna Road by the Federal Government as ‘long overdue’.
Senator Sani described as bold the decision of the Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi, on the revocation of the contract awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
He said, “The revocation of the N740 billion Kaduna-Abuja for ‘non-performance’ is long overdue. This is the first time in history (that) a Works Minister can look at a giant and well-connected company like Berger and send them packing.
Senator Sani lamented that the initial cost of the project in 2018 was N155 billion, but had risen to N740bn within six years due to delay and the shenanigans of those handling the project.
“Six years wasted. Again, Kudos Umai”, he said in a post on his verified X (former Twitter) account.
The outspoken former senator’s comment generated reactions from Nigerians who shared varied opinions on the action of the Federal Government and Senator Sani’s comment.
One user, Beta Cuntri, expressed misgiving about the action, saying the German construction giant is not known for abandoning contracts.
“Was funds released to Berger and they refused to finish the construction? You think if they were paid, the FG would not have taken them to court… Stop praising until you hear the other side’s story.”
Another user, Koko Oro, said, “Julius Berger had been giving every excuse possible under the sun and yet after six years they couldn’t complete 50% of the job. Let them pack off and go away. We are not their slaves”.
