The Benue State House of Assembly has summoned the director of civil engineering in the Ministry of Works, Housing, and Urban Development and the director-general of the Benue State Public Procurement Commission to appear before its leadership on Monday.

The House also summoned Gerewa Construction Company, the contractor handling the renovation of the assembly complex, to appear before the lawmakers.

The resolution followed a motion moved by Simon Gabo (APC/Mata).

Mr Gabo recalled that in July 2023, the Benue State government awarded a contract to Gerewa Construction Company for the renovation of the assembly complex with the aim of upgrading it to a befitting standard.

The lawmaker noted that the contract sum was reviewed upward twice due to rising inflation in the country.

He expressed concern that, although the initial contract duration was three months, the project had lasted over two years without being completed.

Mr Gabo further lamented that members and staff of the assembly had been forced to work in an inconducive environment for nearly three years due to the prolonged renovation.

He also raised concerns that the contractor had refused to grant members and staff access to the renovated complex despite claims that about 90 per cent of the work had been completed.

According to him, the summoned officials and the contractor must explain why the project had not been completed and handed over after the payment of N14 billion to the contractor.

He listed those invited to include the Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, the Commissioner for Finance, the director-general of the Benue State Public Procurement Commission, the director of civil engineering in the Ministry of Works, Housing and Urban Development, and Gerewa Construction Company.

The motion was seconded by Ezra Nyinongo (APC/Ukum), who described the contractor’s work as shoddy and an eyesore.

Contributing, Blessed Onah (PDP/Oju I) said the engagement should involve the entire House and not just the leadership.

Samuel Jiji (PDP/Logo) advised that the timing of the interface should be adjusted to ensure the presence of all concerned officials.

Anthony Agom (APC/Okpokwu) called for the prosecution of the contractor to ensure accountability for all funds released to him.

In his ruling, the speaker, Alfred Emberga, directed the contractor and relevant officials to appear with the bill of quantities, original contract sum, first and second variations, and all payment certificates.

Mr Emberga noted that the governor had good intentions for the assembly, adding that the funds released were sufficient to construct even a new building, not just renovate the existing complex.

He expressed regret that lawmakers had been sitting in a temporary chamber and using plastic chairs for over two years.

The speaker directed that the invited parties should appear before the House leadership and announced that Nyinongo would be co-opted into the interface.

(NAN)