By Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu (Bauchi State Correspondent)
The Ningi Emirate Council has asked two lawmakers to come out and explain to the general public on what they have in minds against the road project in the area.
Accordingly, the Emirate condemns, in strong term, the action by the ex-legislators for opposing the contract being awarded by governor Bala Mohammed to the tune of N11 billion naira.
Speaking to journalists on behalf of the Ningi Emirate Council, the traditional holder of Magatakadar of Ningi, Alhaji Muhammad Sabo, said the Emirate Council has received the news with great shock over what he described as frivolous write ups made by the ex-legislators, Senator Sani Shehu and Rtd Honourable Salisu Zakari, on their tweeter handles and on their Facebook account pages respectively, critising the rate at which contracts for the construction of GSS Ningi to Guddiba dual carriageway of 11-kilometer on Bauchi Ningi to Kano highway was awarded.
He said, "the Emirate Council is mindful of the writer's freedom of speech and expression as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. However, the Council expect the two legislators to be constructive in their criticism.
"As former legislators of the National Assembly, they were expected to do some homework on how the state government arrives at contracts sum of (N10.3 billion) taking into consideration all exigencies of Mini bridges, drainages, culverts, and above all, the compensation attached to the projects.
He added that the Emirate was particularly amazed and ashamed that a former lawmaker who represented Emirate of Ningi/Warji federal Constituency will come out publicly to dispute the distance of the set project.
The Magatakadar of Ningi, said, "For the avoidance of doubt, and in order to disabuse the minds of those who have been misled by the write ups, the Emirate wishes a categorically state and enlighten the general public that the contract awarded was for a dual carriageway way with double Lanes in each of the 11-kilometer span and sperated by a concrete. This means the distance of the road is more than 20 kilometers span.
The Emirate therefore, challenged the two ex-lawmakers to enquire and verify from the body responsible for the Nigerian Society of Engineers to ascertain the current standards and value of road construction per kilometers. The Emirate said rather, the critics have resorted to blind critisims with a view to creating political mischief against the governor or getting cheap popularity.
He finally stated that, "the award contract by the Bauchi State Governmt under the leadership of Bala Mohammed was laudably received and appreciated by well meaning indigenes of the Emirate from within and outside the state, including their opponents. NNL.
