FG SUSPENDS STATE INTERVENTION ON FEDERAL ROADS

The Federal Government has called on state Governors to stop further interventions on Federal Roads until it settles debt inherited on such interventions from previous administrations.

The Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola stated this during the inspection of some Federal Roads and Housing Projects in Ebonyi State.

Mr. Babatunde Fashola, who visited Nenwe-Uduma-Uburu, Ishiagu Mile Two Roads and Ezzamgbo Housing projects, explained that it was illegal for state governments to intervene on federal roads without the approval of the Ministry.

He noted that the Federal government was making efforts to settle over ₦2,000,000,000,000 (two trillion Naira) verifiable debts it inherited from previous administrations following interventions on roads, power and petroleum.

Mr. Fashola stated that President Muhammadu Buhari had written to the National Assembly to authorize the release of the money noting that until the debt was settled, no more interventions would be accepted.

Ebonyi State Governor, Chief David Umahi had while receiving the Minister at Government House Abakaliki called on the Federal Government to refund to the State government over ₦30,000,000,000 (thirty billion Naira) it spent on federal road projects in the area.

The Federal Controller of Works in the state, Mr. Bede Obioha noted that the visit of the Minister was to ensure that contractors were complying with specifications in the execution of projects.

However, the inspection was not without some comic reliefs as the Minister at one of the project sites demonstrated the art of painting to the amusement of spectators.

AMECHI ODO