I did not preside over N2.3bn failed road contract -Anenih

by Taiwo Adisa

FORMER Minister of Works and Housing, Chief Tony Anenih, on Thursday, said he did not preside over a N2.3 billion failed road contract, contrary to claims by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, which summoned him on Monday.
Chief Anenih, in a letter to the Speaker, Honourable Aminu Tambuwal, said the statement credited to the House of Representatives was libelous.
According to Anenih, he never supervised the said N2.3 billion Nasarawa-Loko road contract, as alleged by the House.
In a letter to Tambuwal, dated November 29, 2012 and entitled: Re: Reps Summon Anenih over N2.3bn “failed” contract,  Anenih said he was pained that a member of the House of Representatives could make comments on such an issue  without adequate investigation.
He said though he was yet to receive any official summon from the committee, he considered it imperative to react to issues raised in the media through the report credited to the House.
He also said since he was not the minister of works during the time of the failed project, those in the saddle at the time should be ready to provide relevant answers.
“I must, however, emphasise that the events that led to the termination of the contract and the subsequent arbitration that followed took place years after I had left the ministry.
“It is therefore my view that those who were in the ministry at the time should be able to provide the relevant explanation in the circumstance,” he said.
NigerianTribune