ACJ Calls on President Tinubu to Reconsider Katsina Road Project Cancellation
By Hussaina Yakubu
July 23, 2024
The Arewa Coalition for Justice (ACJ) has urged President Bola Tinubu to reverse the recent cancellation of the Katsina-Kankara-Dutsinma-Maraba Kankara road project, a crucial infrastructure initiative in Katsina State.
The group during a press conference on Tuesday, in it speech read by Ibrahim Muhammad
expressed concern over the cancellation, emphasizing President Tinubu’s earlier promise to prioritize infrastructure to boost the economy and create jobs.
The Katsina-Kankara-Dutsinma-Maraba Kankara road project, awarded in April 2024, was intended to improve life in seven local government areas, enhance regional economic activity, and address security challenges.
The ACJ criticized the decision, alleging that Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda and Presidential Aide Ibrahim Masari influenced the cancellation due to political motives, as the project was linked to an opposition PDP member.
The coalition stressed that political sentiments should not hinder essential projects.
Implications and Contractor Impact,the cancellation by Minister of Works David Umahi was seen as disregarding northern interests and potentially creating a rift between President Tinubu and the region.
The ACJ suggested that Umahi might aim to re-award the project to a proxy company, thereby harming the administration’s reputation.
The contract was awarded to VIPAN Global Resources Limited, an indigenous contractor that had already mobilized without awaiting mobilization fees.
The ACJ emphasized that the project followed due process, with official sanctioning on April 5, 2024, and called the cancellation unjust.
ACJ urged President Tinubu to direct the Ministry of Works to reverse the decision, warning that canceling the project could deter future investors and pose legal challenges.
They also called on National Assembly members from the northwest to advocate for the project’s continuation and urged an investigation into all road projects awarded by Minister Umahi.
The coalition asked the people of Katsina to remain patient and trust in President Tinubu’s leadership.(NAN)