Chidi Samuel
All things being equal, the Federal government will in the coming weeks refund the first instalment of seventy five billion naira, being slightly over fifty percent of the total sum of one hundred and forty billion naira, the state spent on the rehabilitation of Federal Government roads during the tenure of the immediate past Governor of the state, Godswill Akpabio. Sources within the Federal ministry of finance who pleaded not to be mentioned because he was not allowed to speak on the matter informed Alabingo.com that all the paper work relating to the refund was ready and that Hon Minister of Finance is expected to present same at the next Federal Executive Council meeting for approval and subsequent release of the fund to Akwa Ibom state.
According to the source, ” The truth is that Federal government is committed to return the economy on the path of growth, nothing will be spared in this regard including releasing funds legitimately owed to states.There other measures being taken and the public will be informed in due course.”
The Akwa Ibom Government has in the past called on Federal Government to refund the N140 billion it had spent on repair of federal roads in the state. The State Governor, Mr Emmanuel Udom renewed the appeal last October while speaking to Government House Correspondents at Ibom International Airport on arrival from official assignment in Abuja. The Governor said then that the refund of at least 50 percent of the sum was necessary to help the state government to add value to its infrastructure consolidation programme now that the dry season was at hand.