Delta State Governor Accused of Inflating Road Project Costs by N50 Billion

A political storm has erupted in Delta State over the cost of four road projects awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria PLC in Warri and Effurun metropolises.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori disclosed a cumulative contract sum of N77,997,159,339.91 for the projects, emphasizing their importance in easing traffic congestion and enhancing infrastructure.

However, the Delta State APC, led by Publicity Secretary Valentine Onojeghuo, has accused Governor Oborevwori of over-inflating the project costs by a staggering N50 billion.

The opposition party alleges that the purported multi-billion-naira flyover project is a conduit for siphoning funds from the state, echoing concerns over the feasibility of such an expenditure.

Governor Oborevwori, during the groundbreaking ceremony in Warri, outlined the four projects, including a flyover bridge from Enerhen Junction, Effurun, to Marine Warri, a three-quarter Cloverleaf interchange at the existing Effurun flyover bridge, two pedestrian bridges in Effurun, a flyover bridge at PTI Junction, and a flyover at the DSC roundabout.

He pledged to aggressively pursue road upgrades across the state, aligning with his MORE agenda.

In response, the APC, in a press statement from Onojeghuo, dismissed the governor’s promises and questioned the validity of the cost estimates.

The opposition party contends that it is implausible for three flyovers and the expansion of the NPA-DSC expressway to reach the declared sum of N79 billion.

The statement accuses Governor Oborevwori’s administration of perpetuating the alleged financial irregularities of his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa.

Source: Daily Post