I have refused to Celebrate the recent recycling and re-award of Ganaja flyover in Lokoja,that was awarded through a well thought out Public Private Partnership PPP arrangement between the previous adminstration of Capt Idris Wada in 2016,at the twilight of the administration,as this was part of many projects initiated by the former Administration.
It is also in the public domain,that many questions was begging for answers on the whereabouts of the funds allocated to the new flyover, soon after the inception of the new administration of Yahaya Bello that subsequently abandoned the project.
All efforts by the general public, commentators,Civil Society Groups and Non- Governmental organisation fell into deaf ears of the current administration.
It was only revealed without cogent reasons that it was a virement of funds to rehabilitate Ankpa-Ibana-Okpo-Iga Ikeje-Ogugu-Etteh roads carried out by the state government without conviction.
This decision at that point increase the level of sufferings both for residents of the state capital and travellers who on daily basis ply the road.
it also jeopardised the plans of previous administration of Capt Idris Wada to open up the town using flyover and bypass in Otokiti/Ganaja village to reduce constant gridlock on that axis.
The Ganaja flyover that the indigenes and resident of the state captial are supposed to be celebrating it’s commissioning, is now being celebrated for merely award of the same contract.
While it is on record in many states of the federation that governance is a continuous process,as most state government that had either change of baton through leadership or party affiliations ensured projects left behind are completed,but the reverse is the case in Kogi state.
In Kogi,it is either taken the glory of re-awarding Ganaja flyover contract,Newmap and UN Habitat projects of redesigning major towns and cities in Lokoja, the state capital and other local governments or outright decision to sell projects completed by the immediate past administration.
The case that readily came to mind is the abandoned multi billion naira Kogi House in Abuja,the only uncompleted project around the street in Abuja,where some buidings belonging to state governments are located.
What about the remodelled Kogi Hotels that so many privately owned hotels and buildings belonging to government officials in Kogi state has also sprang up.?
It is also on records that states like Rivers,Bauchi,Benue,Plateau,Adamawa, Kwara has projects of their predecessors completed and commissioned as this are the states were other political parties grabbed power.
Kogi state in review had so many ongoing projects of Prince Abubakar Audu completed and commissioned by Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, between 2003-2012 even at foundation level, while Capt Idris Wada also toe the same line between 2012-2016.
But,since there is an adage that it is better late than never,kogi state has hue a sigh of relief,not only on the award of the Ganaja flyover ,but the commissioning before the end of this administration,even if it is not in December as specified as the completion period.
The same wisdom should also be extended to the abandoned over 200 bed Kogi state University Teaching Hospital,Anyigba,Kogi House in Abuja, Kogi Hotels In Lokoja, Ganaja-Otokiti by pass,Kabawa Embankment and so many others desiring attention,even if it means continuously taken the glory of the immediate administration.
Since government is a continuity in another approach in kogi state,let it be,if it will guarantee progress and developement of the state.
But, as far as am concerned,this is not time for celebration,but sober reflection, it’s not worth any celebration,at least for now.
Anonymous sent in