Former Governor of Kaduna State Mukhtar Ramalan Yero has accused his successor Nasiru elRufai of Shortchanging the state in contracts awarded to install streetlights and reconstruction of Kawo Road.
Yero in an interview with a Kaduna-based radio station said the quality of road he signed a contract for before leaving office in 2015 was reduced and also, according to him, the contract for installation of streetlights from Kawo to Lugard Hall Roundabout awarded at the sum of 1.5 billion, with specification of using 85 Watts bulbs but reduced to 35 Watts , Shortchanging the state of funds for the benefit of government officials.
“First of all, if you take a close look at the contract we awarded while in office, there were provisions for procurement of a power-generating set to power solar light from Command Junction down to Toll gate, due to the total darkness associated with that part of the state capital.The power generating set was designed to function even if there would be power outage in the state.
“This provision was removed by my successor for reason known to him. I am not surprised though because he has done something similar with Independence Way and Constitution Road where we fixed all the streetlights, all that was left was to connect the power-generating set to power the solar lights but strangely, the provision was removed.
“There were provisions for flyovers, barricades to enforce the use of flyovers which were surprisingly removed and later rewarded separately. There was provision for BRT lanes, designated exclusively for buses and shelters at each bus stop for commuters which were removed completely.
“I could remember at the onset of their government, they were saying there was an attempt by my administration to steal a sum of 1.3 billion naira. Thank God, it was only an attempt if there was such a thing at all.
“The contractor who handled the project of installing streetlights from Kawo to Lugard Hall at the sum of 1.5 billion Naira met me at a public event, lamenting bitterly that instead of using 85 Watts bulbs as earlier specified and contained in the contract agreement, adding that they ordered him to reduce it to 35 watts, shortchanging the state in the process of the appropriated sum for 50 Watts. My response to him was he was closer to them than I was,” Yero clarified.
The former Governor, now a member of All Progressives Congress (APC) lambasted elRufai for denigrating PDP, labelling it a party of corruption.
“I was surprised by what elRufai was reported to have said about PDP, associating the party with corruption, forgetting that he had been a member of PDP since 2000 until 2012 or 2013 and had immensely benefited from the party he is now denigrating.
“If he was associating the action we took while in office with PDP, he is indeed indicting himself because he had been a long time member of the party he is now insulting.
“Of course, I won’t be ashamed to be associated with PDP, it is on whose platform I was made a Commissioner, deputy Governor and eventually becoming a Governor.
“Therefore, despite being an APC member today, I won’t insult PDP because doing that would amount to ingratitude and biting the finger that feeds you.
“It is unfortunate having a man of 65 years who claimed to be an elder statesman but lacks the integrity and attributes that come with such a title,” he lamented.