Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi has approved the formation of a committee to investigate the abandoned Governor’s Lodge and Hotel project in Kaduna.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Yakubu Bala-Tafida, announced the approval in a statement issued to journalists on Friday in Birnin Kebbi.

“The project, initially launched during the previous military administration, has been left abandoned for many years.

“The committee is tasked with determining the legal status of the project and assessing whether the contractor has reconciled with the state government, as advised by the then Solicitor-General following the contract’s revocation,” he said.

Mr Bala-Tafida added that the committee would also examine the current condition of the project and investigate the reasons behind its abandonment.

“Other terms of reference include; determining the circumstances surrounding the revocation of the contract, as well as identifying the initial and revised contract sums approved for the project.

“The committee, which will be chaired by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed-BK, also includes special adviser on due process, Alhaji Surajo Garba-Bagudo, as a member.

“Additional members are; the permanent secretary of the ministry of lands and housing, Alhaji Ahmad Umar-Yarima, and the director of Architecture and Building from the Ministry of Works.

“The director of the Executive Council (EXCO), Alhaji Kabiru Hassan-Wasagu, will serve as Secretary.

“The committee is expected to complete its investigation and submit its report to the state government within two weeks,” he said.

Mr Bala-Tafida reaffirmed Mr Idris’ commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process, assuring that abandoned public assets would be reviewed and addressed in the best interest of the people of Kebbi. 

(NAN)