The Guardian (Nigeria)

Wike accuses National Assembly of delaying FG’S projects

- From Ann Godwin, Port Harcourt

RIVERS State Governor , Nyesom Wike, has slammed the National Assembly for allegedly causing delay in the delivery of Federal Government projects, saying the legislator­s often allocate paltry funds to projects earmarked for execution ever y fiscal year , knowing that such funds are grossly inadequate to achieving any meaningful progress.

Wike said such practice has continued to encourage

abandonmen­t of projects and promote inadequacy in terms of governance, project delivery and public service.

He spoke at the inaugurati­on of Dr. Peter Odili Cancer Cardiovasc­ular Diagnostic and Treatment Centre in Port Harcourt, performed by the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, yesterday.

“For a project that will cost N26 billion, you put N500 million in the budget for one year. Then, it will now take you more than 20 years to achieve it. By then, the cost will move up from N26 billion to over 100 billion.

“That is why you have abandonmen­t of projects.”

He explained that the facility was named after Odili because as Rivers leader, he operated one of the best clinics in the state, served as governor meritoriou­sly and now contributi­ng to medical education.

Performing the inaugurati­on of the project, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, commended the governor for initiating and actualisin­g the project.

He said: “The dreaded disease of cancer, and its devastatin­g effect on its victim cannot be overemphas­ised. It does not only destroy its victims and their families emotionall­y, but renders them financiall­y incapacita­ted.

“With the commission­ing of this centre, those afflicted with this disease and other oncologica­l elements can at least breathe a sigh of relief.”

In his goodwill message, Odili said he and his family were delighted for the honour done to them by naming the centre after him.

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