By Onome Oghenetega
RODNAB Construction Company has debunked allegations that the firm was paid N3 billion by the Niger Delta Development Company (NDDC) for projects it did not execute in the oil-rich region.
It clarified that payments it has received from the interventionist agency were for projects that the firm bided for and executed to specification.
A statement by its Secretary/Legal Adviser, Adamu Ishaku Musa, RODNAB Construction Company threatened to sue those it described as blackmailer for the unfounded allegation against the firm.
It also denied allegation that the firm was being used to siphon money meant for the development of the region by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, adding that, “This allegation is untrue, and is completely denied.”
According to the statement, “RODNAB, a Niger Delta indigenous construction company has over 18 years’ experience in the field of construction and civil engineering, with reputation of delivery quality services in the industry in compliance with COREN and world best standard.
“ We have worked, and still working with our clientele, which cuts across governmental organizations, private companies and individuals who take pride in our experts’ services and end products.
“We accept and execute all our jobs in compliance with industry and professional best practice, due process and all regulatory requirements of laid down rules of our clientele and the government of Nigeria.
We will like to state unequivocally that all the jobs we have secured and executed (even our NDDC Projects) were duly tendered for and won, having met all necessary conditions, which includes ensuring that the approval of the Federal Executive Council is given (for public institution jobs).
“It is also important to note that, the present Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs (Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio) was not in the cabinet when the contract was approved and awarded. Neither the Commission nor the Honourable Minister of Niger Delta Affairs is doing us a favour with payments recieved for work done as it is obligatory on the Commission to pay contractors for jobs duly executed.
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“Furthermore, we will like to state that the contract duration was for one year. Unfortunately, due to issues beyond our control especially timely funding and other sundries, we were compelled to extend the handover date and possible commissioning till April, 2020, all things being equal.
“All payments so far received are monies paid by the Commission on the attainment of target milestones and satisfaction of quality expectations on the awarded projects. We do not do business with militants, and have no need to pay them.
“We deliver quality job and project for value and we take pride that our company has attained this fit and height in the construction industry in Nigeria. And we expect no less pride from all Nigerians.”
While threatening to press charges against those behind the allegation, it urged the people of the region that those behind the allegation do not mean well for the socio-economic development of the region and thus should be disregarded.
“Making unfounded, negligent and reckless statements of lies against a brand name like RODNAB with the conscious and willful intention to cause economic harm to our reputation can give rise to Malicious Falsehood and Cyberstalking, offenses punishable under Sections 375 and 376 of the Criminal Code and Section 24 of Cybercrimes Act 2015 with 2, 3 and 7 years’ imprisonment.
“So, perpetrators of this act and their sponsors are warned as we will not hesitate to institute legal action against them, forthwith.
“We call on Nigerians, especially residents of the Niger Delta, to be wary of such baseless reports promoted by ‘mischief makers’ and ‘protagonists of hate speech’ whose intent is to cause disaffection among the people, and continue to ensure no meaningful development comes to the region.”
