Contractors who executed projects under the former Legacy Act Ltd have appealed to the Kaduna State Government to settle what they described as about ₦38 billion owed for completed contracts across the state, according to Sahara Reporters.
The contractors, operating through the Eagle Brain Human Rights Organisation, said the prolonged non-payment had subjected many of them to severe financial hardship.
They said they financed the projects with loans from financial institutions, but the failure to receive payment had resulted in mounting interest, loss of properties and growing pressure on their businesses and families.
The contracts, awarded through the Kaduna State Ministry of Local Government, reportedly covered the drilling of boreholes, construction of Primary Health Care Centres and the supply of hospital beds, generators, motorcycles, ambulances, drugs and vaccines.
The contractors also alleged that some movable items supplied under the contracts were being disposed of without due process.
They further claimed that efforts were being made to retrieve their original award letters and alter the names of some projects from the former Legacy Act Ltd to individual local government areas.
The group also raised concerns over the detention of the project consultant, Alhaji Bashir Mohammed, alleging that he had been denied bail.
The contractors urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to independently investigate the handling of the contracts and the activities of their respective Kaduna offices.
They also rejected claims attributed to an individual presenting himself as chairman of all contractors in Kaduna State that the administration of Governor Uba Sani had either settled the contractors or committed to doing so.
Chief Executive Officer of Eagle Brain Human Rights Organisation, Daniel Ejembi, called for an independent and transparent investigation to establish the facts surrounding the dispute.
Ejembi said an impartial process would protect the interests and rights of all parties, including the detained consultant, while preventing further economic losses.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. All parties deserve a fair hearing,” he said.
