Executive Assistant Dismisses Fake News on Delta State Government’s Contract Payment to Julius Berger Nigeria
ASABA/Nigeria: The Executive Assistant on Communication and Orientation to Delta State Governor, Dr. Wilfred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq, has vehemently refuted false claims circulating on social media regarding the alleged upfront payment of N78 billion to Julius Berger Nigeria for multiple construction projects within the state.
This comes in response to an online newspaper’s publication, which the EACOGOV discredits as misleading and baseless.
In a statement released on Saturday and distributed to the press, Oghenesivbe urged both citizens of Delta State and the wider public to disregard the fabricated information originating from an obscure consortium of local contractors. He emphasized that these deceptive tactics aimed to undermine the government’s relentless commitment, led by Governor Rt Hon Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, towards fostering significant development and executing top-tier infrastructure projects in Delta.
Recalling Governor Oborevwori’s recent revelation during a site inspection at Boji Boji Owa in Ika North East Local Government Area, Oghenesivbe clarified that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc had indeed received a 25 percent mobilization fee of the total contract sum. The governor had also outlined plans for a groundbreaking event scheduled between November and early December, subsequent to the completion of all preliminary procedures.
“We have already allocated 25 percent of the total contract sum to Julius Berger, and they are currently engaged in drawings, soil tests, and other essential preliminary activities,” affirmed Governor Oborevwori. “Imminently, between now and the beginning of December, we’ll host the groundbreaking ceremony as everything is progressing smoothly, staying true to our commitments.”
Expressing bewilderment at the spread of misleading information, Oghenesivbe questioned the motives of those deliberately propagating falsehoods without seeking verification from relevant government authorities. He reaffirmed Governor Oborevwori’s dedication to conducting transparent transactions that align with the state’s best interests throughout his tenure.
“The notion that the Delta State Government paid the entire N78 billion contract sum upfront to Julius Berger Nigeria is unfounded and far from reality,” stated Oghenesivbe emphatically. “The governor publicly disclosed the release of only 25 percent to the contractor, a well-documented fact widely disseminated by various media outlets.”
Furthermore, he dispelled notions of favoritism toward foreign contractors, highlighting the substantial involvement of reputable indigenous contractors in numerous state projects. Oghenesivbe also underscored Julius Berger Nigeria’s extensive history as a responsible corporate entity in Nigeria, emphasizing their long-standing commitment to corporate social responsibility.
“Julius Berger Nigeria possesses the requisite technical prowess and engineering expertise to deliver robust and enduring infrastructure projects envisioned by Governor Oborevwori’s MORE agenda,” reassured Oghenesivbe. “Attempts at tarnishing ongoing quality projects across the state’s three Senatorial districts through blackmail or media propaganda will not thwart the progress.”
The resolute stance of the Executive Assistant emphasizes the commitment of the Delta State government to transparency, responsible contracting, and the pursuit of sustainable development initiatives for the benefit of its citizens.
