By Eunice Orike
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, has expressed outrage over the unauthorised subletting of furniture works for the renovation of the International Conference Centre (ICC) to a different contractor.
Speaking on Wednesday after the inspection of ICC and M6 road (GISHIRI to NICON junction road), the Minister revealed that he has summoned the top management of the Federal Capital Territory and the Julius Berger Nigeria Company, the contractor handling the renovation work.
Wike revealed that the contract for the renovation of the ICC was awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Company, but the furniture works were sublet to another contractor without his knowledge or approval.
The Minister expressed concerns over the quality of furniture that would be installed, stating that he cannot have different qualities of furniture in the same building.
He wondered who would pay for the furniture contract and demanded to know who approved the subletting.
To this end, the minister has summoned the top management of the FCT, Julius Berger, and the Abuja Investment Company Limited to investigate the matter.
He warned that anyone found culpable would face severe consequences, saying that “nobody will be a sacred cow.”
Despite the setback, Wike expressed satisfaction with the overall progress of the ICC renovation.
“What I have said is that the quality of work generally is very fine. How they removed the furnishing of the conference hall from Julius Berger is what I do not know. And so that is why I summoned the Acting ES, FCDA, and the GMD of Abuja Investment Company, and Julius Berger, to come and tell us who did that, and also on who’s approval because I approved and I know the amount of money.
“So if they say Abuja Investment is the one, who is going to pay for it? So I am not going to accept that. And of course, you know, if anything shady went on, you will hear that I’ve applied the big stick. Nobody will be a sacred cow”, he said.
