By NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
The Concerned Citizens Of Enugu State, a Socio-Political Group, has called for accountability, transparency and probity from the state government in handling projects and governance.
The Convener of the Group, Mr Chukwunonye Okereke made the call in Abuja on Tuesday, at a news conference.
Okereke said that the call had become expidient, as it appeared that the state was under siege, not from armed invaders, but reckless contract awards, abandoned promises, and growing weight of unaccountable debts.
He alleged that under the Smart Schools Projects, billions of naira were released without due process, yet classrooms remained unfurnished and children stranded.
“Where are the 260 schools that were promised, why would the government pay in money into a bank account different from the bank were the guarantee was procured,” he queried
Okereke also alleged that the Heneke Songhai/Tribu N100 Billion farm deal was devoid of clauses guaranteeing jobs, markets, and community benefits
He noted that during electioneering campaigns, Gov. Peter Mbah promised that “Ndi Enugu” would enjoy water within 180 days of his inauguration.
“Now, almost two years after, taps remain dry. Hundreds of millions have been poured into treatment plants and boreholes, but the pipes remain empty.
“Who is being paid for water that never flows? Ndi Enugu deserve an independent audit of all water contracts, actual litres delivered per day, and the names of contractors paid,” he said.
He highlighted areas where the group demands accountability to include Type-2 Hospitals, Hotel Presidential, Enugu Air, roads, debt burdens of the state, the Austrian deal among others.
“We demand immediate suspension of further payments to Smart school contractors pending the outcome of forensic audit and publication of the Heneke Songhai/Tribu N100 billion agreement, with SPV ownership details.
“We want independent verification of water projects against the 180-day pledge and what has been sunk in so far, as well as full disclosure of Hotel Presidential concession terms and Enugu Air partnership agreements.
“There should be restitution and compensation for victims of illegal demolitions as well as community consultation for all land allocations under smart city or farm estate projects.
“We also demand debt transparency,” Okereke added. (NAN)