07/01/2024
Okigwe South: Update on the Federal Government Palliative
Office of the Member Representing Ehime Mbano, Ihitte-Uboma, Obowo Federal Constituency, House of Representatives.
It has become imperative to set the records straight on the issue of the federal government Palliatives to various constituencies.
We must start by stating that it is the effort of the House of Representatives, under the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, through the Executive arm to pass palliative to Nigerians through the legislators, to ensure it reaches the very grassroots.
Here are the important facts to note about the palliatives for Ehime Mbano, Ihitte-Uboma, Obowo Federal Constituency:
1. The issues concerning the palliatives, with respect to the nomination of the contractor and the choice of the food item to supply, were already concluded before Hon. Deacon Chike Okafor resumed on Tuesday, 28 November 2023.
2. Upon resumption, the pending transaction was brought to the knowledge of Hon. Chike Okafor, he made inquiries and confirmed that the procurement process had long been concluded, possibly with the inputs from the pro tem occupant of the seat.
3. Shortly before Christmas, the office of Hon. Chike Okafor tracked the contractor who won the award for palliative supplies for Ehime Mbano, Ihitte Uboma, Obowo Federal Constituency, Mssrs Eagle Rays Nigeria Limited, with office supposedly at 04 Liza Place, Gado Nasco Opposite First Bank, Kubwa Abuja. The contractor was obviously nominated with input from the office of the interim occupant of the Okigwe South Representatives seat, then.
4. The contractor, after a couple of days, eventually met with Hon. Chike Okafor, just 3 days to Christmas with the offer letter from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Supply, but without the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) for the award that would specify the items and quantity to be supplied. Noteworthy is the fact that there was an obvious attempt to shortchange the people of Okigwe South through kickbacks, but this was stoutly resisted as we insisted on compliance with the award.
5. Surprisingly, on the 26th of December, the contractor reached out to the office of Hon. Chike Okafor, through the SLA, Mr. Vitus Okonkwo, to the effect that he was ready to come with the supplies, and the next day, late in the evening, a truck full of rice arrived but upon inspection it was discovered that it was far less than the quantity some Constituencies had received, and the product he brought was of very poor quality, unhealthy and obviously not one of the best brands of rice in the market. The sampled bags were filled with black spots, lice, stone and sand. This was recorded on video and in pictures,
6. In the interest of the people of Okigwe South, we rejected the products, insisting that the contractor MUST provide the BOQ, and MUST supply the right size, quality and quantity, as we could glean from what had been received in some other Constituencies we had verified from.
7. Till today, Sunday 7th of January 2024, the honourable member is yet to see the Bill of Quantities as demanded from the contractor to enable him to ensure that the supplies, when eventually made, meet the specification as contained in the contract.
This is simply for checks and balances.
8. We want to use this medium to assure our people, that once he complies with item (6) above, the constituency would be notified, a committee would be set up, to work assiduously, to ensure that sharing of the items are done transparently and equitably to the target beneficiaries; the very poor and vulnerable groups amongst us.
9. As has been the case over the years, to serve and protect the interest of the good people of Ehime Mbano, Ihitte Uboma, Obowo Federal Constituency has been key in the stewardship of Hon. Deacon Chike Okafor.
We want to assure you that defending this mandate as always is a task that MUST be done.
Thank you, great people of Ehime Mbano, Ihitte-Uboma, and Obowo Federal Constituency.
Hon. Chike Okafor media centre.
