FG issues 2-week ultimatum to Niger Delta communities on Bodo-Bonny project

The federal government has issued a two-week ultimatum to Niger Delta communities along the corridors of Bodo-Bonny bridge project to resolve their differences.

Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Power, Works and Housing gave the ultimatum on Thursday in Abuja at a meeting with representatives of communities along the corridor of the project and officials of Julius Berger PLC, the contractor.

He said the meeting was as a result of reported cases of attack on the facilities of the contractor that resulted to the withdrawal of its workers from the site.

He said the Federal Government could not afford to tie the money meant for the contract down, adding that the contractor had been paid first installment of mobilsation fees.

“It took time to beg them to release money for the project, so, if you don’t take ownership of it and put it to use, then we might as well tell them to take their money back.

“We need to have a position within two weeks for MoU of compromise to be signed assuring us that there will be peace in that place.

“You must invite the contractor back to site and ensure that you suggest to them anything you want the contractor to do because you can’t take over their business,” he said.

“I must emphasised at this time very clearly that it is in your hands as people who will be affected to either own this project or turn your back on it.

“I am sad to hear that the contractor is being attacked, his property in Gitto yard being vandalised, topographic survey and other works being stopped in your communities.

“My sense is that if a major federal government project is coming to your area, you put your differences aside particularly for the fact that the project is a potential live changing assets,” he added.

Fashola added that the commencement of the project was conceived by the Federal Government within the context of agitation for better quality of life in the Niger Delta.