…threatens to replace inactive contractors
The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, has directed Federal Government contractors with unused contract payments for jobs undone or any other reason to return such payments pending the time the affected contractors will be ready to move to site.
The minister told the contractors that if for any reason they were unable to move to site for now, but they are still with government money, when the situation improves, the monies would be returned to them.
Umahi, a former Ebonyi State Governor, who made the appeal while addressing scores of contractors in Abuja, warned them about using influence peddling to gain undue advantage, stressing that he will substitute inactive contractors.
He explained: “Some of you were introduced by very powerful people, but God almighty and Mr. President are more powerful than those people. Mine is to let you make your profit, but you must do the work for Nigerians. Nigerians are yearning for change.
“I have been told that some people took money, but they didn’t go to site once and they were even paid double. I am going to see it. And I can tell you that my godfathers are the president and God almighty. These are my godfathers.
“But let all the contractors that got money but could not move to site due to security problems or other problems be ready to return the monies and when the security improves, we will give you back the money. If you have been paid and you have not worked up to the money you were paid, please do”, he added.
While insisting that there is no time to waste, Umahi who also responded to concerns on well-meaning Nigerians being frustrated by civil servants in the past, maintained that he would only be won over by superior arguments and not mischief by any worker.
He said: “I am already seeing the end of my tenure. I want to make changes that Nigerians will appreciate. Let your minds be flexible. I am sure you will support me for the changes we want.”
Umahi, during an inspection tour of the Abuja-Lokoja highway, ordered the contractors handling the road to get to work because it is the gateway to the federal capital.
He told the contractors that when if they take government money and don’t work, thereby leading to loss of lives and kidnapping on the highways, they will draw the wrath of the Almighty God.
He warned: “I have been told that some people took money, but they didn’t go to site once and they were even paid double. I am going to see it. And I can tell you that my godfathers are the president and God almighty. These are my godfathers.”
Responding to local contractors who complained of being discriminated against compared to their foreign counterparts, Umahi assured them that it won’t happen under his watch.
