By onyekachi eze
The bill for a law to prohibit contract abandonment has passed the second reading at the Imo State House of Assembly. The Motion for the bill was passed by Hon. Victor Ndunagu, member representing Mbaitulo constituently in IMHA. The second reading of the bill took precedence at the last sitting of the General House on Tuesday 21st May, 2013. In her contribution to the debate, Hon. Pat-Ngozi Ekeji representing Aboh Mbaise and Minority leader, supported the motion and stated that abandonment of contracts does not only involve road projects but also other amenities such as water, electricity and other vital and social amenities in the state. She explained that most these projects were abandoned by contractors in collaboration with some government officials. She therefore urged the Speaker to look into the ugly trend exhibited by some top officials.
Among those who supported the bill include; Hon. Kingsley Dimaku, Hon. Robertson Ekwebelem, Hon Acho Ihim, Hon Innocent Eke among others, who lamented that if the bill is signed into law, it will go a long way to ameliorate social and moral decadence orchestrated by contractors. In his contribution Hon Greg Okemili, member representing Oru East constituency, said that what should be done is to know the effectiveness of the contract law and ascertained it would be implemented. Barr Okemili advised on main causes for abandoned of contracts and way forward to curb that trend.
Speaker of the House, Rt Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu constituted committee members as the bill now is on the committee stage. Heading, the committee is Hon Pat-Ngozi Ekeji, the minority leader representing Mbaise constituency among other members.
Reacting, Hon. Victor Ndunagu (Mbaitoli constituency) told newsmen that the bill was raised in the House by him as a matter of serious importance. He said that when passed into law it will benefit everybody in the state, both the Government and the masses. Hon Ndunagu also stated that what pushed the motion was as a result of the rate at which projects are dumped over nothing meaningful, stating that even some projects during Sam Mbakwe’s regime are still uncompleted.
