The Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom, Tuesday gave a deadline to the contractor handling the construction of Och’Idoma’s palace to complete work on the project before the general election taking place in February and March 2023.
Governor Ortom gave the directive after he inspected ongoing work on the palace project in Otukpo.
In a chat with journalists after the inspection, the governor expressed displeasure over the slow pace of work but noted with satisfaction the quality of work.
He said he came to inspect firsthand and know the challenges delaying the work and to further support and facilitate the work so that the project could be completed before the elections next year.
The governor said funding issues will be fully addressed to facilitate quick completion of the project.
“I’m impressed with the quality of work done so far but not happy with the slow pace of the project.
“My intention was to commission this project this year, but it is no longer possible. I have told the contractor this project must be inaugurated before the elections.
“This is a project that is dear to my heart and His Royal Majesty and family cannot continue to stay in the temporary palace. I have directed the contractor to work round the clock to ensure that we meet up with the time.”
“I believe that before the general elections, the project should be commissioned because this is one of our legacy projects having done a similar project for the Tiv nation, we must do the same for the Idoma nation so that the cycle will go round.”
In his remarks, the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, John Odogbo who was on hand with his wife and other traditional rulers to inspect the project described the edifice as “a wonderful project initiated by the governor.”
