Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has summoned top FCT officials and Julius Berger over unauthorized subcontracting of ICC projects.
Wike during Wednesday inspection of the ICC and other road projects, expressed discontent upon discovering the Abuja investments Company limited had subcontraced the company's furniture installation to another contractor without his approval.
The minster described the development as unacceptable, saying that the entire project was awarded solely to Julius Berger and should not have been fragmented.
“I was surprised to hear that there is a different contractor for that, which is unacceptable to us.
“The job was given to Julius Berger entirely. I cannot have different qualities.
“We cannot say that the floor up is furnished by Julius Berger and the down is furnished by another company. It is not acceptable to me,”; Wike said.
The minister has summoned key officials from the Federal Capital Development Authority FCDA Acting Executive Secretary of the Group Managing Director of AICL and Julius Berger representatives to explain who approved the subcontract.
Wike demanded to know who would be financially responsible for the unauthorized furnishing contract, pointing out that he had personally approved the project’s budget.
“I have invited Julius Berger, I have invited the Executive Secretary of the FCDA and the MD of the Abuja Investments Company Limited to know who did that, and if anybody is found culpable, of course, I must have to apply the big stick.
“Nobody should be a sacred cow. Nobody can do something that you know is not in terms with what we have agreed.
“I am not doubting the quality of work there. 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 Investments Company Limited and Julius Berger, to come and tell us who did that, and also on whose approval, because I approve and I know the amount of money.
“So when they say Abuja Investments is the one, who is going to pay for it? I am not going to accept that, and of course, you know, if anything shady went on, you will hear that I have applied the big stick. Nobody will be a sacred cow.”;
