17 February 2014, Ughelli – Work on the 11km Otokutu-Owevwe-Opherin Road project in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, awarded by Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, but stalled due to a conflict between the contractor and the benefiting communities, is set to resume, following the resolution of the differences and promise by the contractor to withdraw the suit instituted against the communities in court.
The contractor, S.O.Olotu and Sons Ltd, was weekend, asked to return to site by the commissioner representing the state on the board of NDDC, Chief Tom Amioku, after a peace meeting involving all parties, where the representatives of the three communities openly apologised to the company and its management over unfounded allegations against the firm.
The contractor had taken the communities to court due to the alleged libelous allegation leveled against the company by the communities’ representatives with regard to the N80 million compensation money on the road project.
The Chief Liaison Officer of the three communities, Mr. Prosper Ogbaise and the adviser to the three communities, Chief Igbe Abubakar, pleaded for forgiveness from the contractor, stating that it was a misunderstanding.
They also thanked the NDDC Commissioner, Amioku, for his intervention on the matter, adding that the road, when completed will enhance the socio-economic lives of the people.
Amioku, on the way forward, directed the communities to collectively write a letter to the court, appealing to withdraw the case after which the contractor will complete the process of withdrawal.
– Festus Ahon, Vanguard