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FCT: We can’t accept variation – Wike blacklists contractor
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has once again reiterated that the FCT Administration will not accept any form of variation of contracts awarded by the FCTA.
The FCT Minister, while inspecting some projects in Abuja on Wednesday, even blacklisted some contractors for this purpose.
Wike, particularly spoke against the backdrop of a request by Setraco Construction Company for variation of the contract for the construction of the Southern Parkway from Christian Centre to Ring Road 1, to include provision for streetlights, warned that the FCTA will not entertain such requests.
Wike noted that the FCT administration had earlier agreed with contractors on the funding pattern that will enable them to complete ongoing projects in the FCT by May this year, adding that the Administration has also made payments as agreed.
He said the request for variation was therefore not tenable and stressed that the FCTA may be forced to blacklist contractors if they fail to complete the project within schedule.
According to the minister, “When I came on board, I had to call most of these companies and I asked them, would you be able to complete some of these projects so that as part of Mr. President’s one year, it will be inaugurated and they all agreed. We agreed on the funding pattern and I can tell you authoritatively, we have not failed.
“In fact, as far as that road is concerned (construction of Southern Parkway), we have paid not less than 97 percent. So, when I asked about the streetlight, he talked about variation. Of course, you know I will never accept that because we funded the projects very well without any failure on our own part.
“So, I’m still being categorically clear, there cannot be any variation on that project and if they don’t complete it on time, I’m going to blacklist the company. That is the truth of the matter. Nobody will toy with us; nobody will try to outsmart us. We are not going to accept it. Of course, the Managing Director was there and he knows we are serious about it.”
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Finally, IGP approves hunger protests across Nigeria
The Nigerian police has finally approved the planned nationwide protests and outlined conditions for participants.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed this on Friday while addressing journalists in Abuja.
He urged all groups planning to participate in the proposed nationwide protest to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
The police boss said this was to ensure the protest was peaceful.
Egbetokun said, “We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest.
“However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.
“To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information: state the proposed protest routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest; and names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers.”
The police boss said the information expected from the organisers also include measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, as well as key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers.
By providing the information, he said, the police will be able to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.
He said the police needed to know the specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities.
Mr Egbetokun said the police will “establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise; minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity.
“We encourage all protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.
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