By Daniel Tyokua
President Bola Tinubu said he would not dwell on the shortcomings of past administrations that had resulted to delays and abandonment of projects.
Speaking while inaugurating the official residence of Vice president on Friday, he reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering on the promises made to Nigerians.
The president who was represented by his Vice Kasim Shettima, explained that the construction of the VP’s residence was not just about building a physical structure but about laying the foundation for a more efficient and effective government, and about creating an environment where leaders can focus on the important work of governance without distraction or inconvenience.
Tinubu said the completion of the project which commenced in 2010 was in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda which leans favourably with the completion of uncompleted projects for the benefits of all Nigerians.
He said: “I hold a very strong opinion that abandoning projects after substantial expenditures have been incurred is inherently wasteful, and it is in the best interest of the government and the public to see them through to completion.
“Rather than dwell on past short comings, we have chosen to seize this opportunity to demonstrate our resolve to confront obstacles head-on and deliver on the promises made to the Nigerian people in line with our Renewed Hope Agenda.
“I, therefore, want to express my gratitude to the FCT Administration, under the leadership of Chief (Barrister) Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, for taking up the responsibility and feel duty bound to complete the project to avoid the wastage of tax payers’ money.
“The decision to complete this project after going through the required due process is highly commendable. Your dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence are a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Nigerian people”.
He therefore commended the FCT Minister, describing him as an achiever.
In his remarks, the FCT Minister commended the President’s leadership while attributing the successes being celebrated to the support given to the FCT Administration by him .
Wike revealed that the contract for the design and construction of the VP’s residence was awarded in 2010 at the sum of N7billion but abandoned in 2015 due to lack of funds, adding that it took the present administration less than one year to complete and deliver the project.
“Your Excellency, this project was awarded in 2010, 14years ago. It was awarded at the cost of N7Billion in 2010 and abandoned in 2015. It was in January this year that we had a revised budget to make it N21Billion, which is an additional N14Billion.
“In a country, it took 14 good years to build the Vice President’s house. And now Mr President has come and within one year he has made it a reality. When we talk about hope, this is the hope. A vice president’s residence. In Nigeria, the giant of Africa awarded a contract for the house of the number two citizen to do his work, 14years ago at 7billion. As a country we could not afford 7billion to complete the work in one year”.
