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Familiarize yourself with the process of SUBEB contract awards, payments, Ogun govt urges contractors

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4 years ago

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The Ogun State government has urged contractors seeking to execute projects for the Ogun State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB) to get acquainted with the guidelines for payment processing.

The government, in a statement issued by the Head, Public Relations of Ogun SUBEB, Mr. Segun Adelaja, said that in order to ensure full execution of projects by contractors, the Dapo Abiodun-led administration in Ogun State had directed that all ongoing projects should be evaluated in line with the procurement guidelines for contractor evaluation and project monitoring.

According to the statement, these procurement processes are geared towards ensuring that competent and experienced contractors are selected and mobilization payments are secured and judiciously utilized.

According to Adelaja, the procurement rules stipulate pre-conditions in the form of Advance Payment Guarantee (APG) before mobilization fees are paid to contractors. An APG is usually issued by third party financial institutions (usually banks).

Adelaja noted that once the APG is issued for (usually) 15% of the project cost, the contractor then submits to the agency in question for the processing of necessary approvals in preparation for onward payments of mobilization fees, which are usually paid in batches.

He added that once a mobilization fee has been paid to a contractor, no further payment would be made to him or her without an interim performance certificate issued in accordance with the contract agreement.

This, he said, is to protect the state from contractors planning to collect mobilization fees and then take to their heels.

Adelaja said: “For contractors that had already commenced work without APG and mobilization fees, the requirement is to value the work done to date.

“SUBEB projects in the State are awarded through a very rigorous procurement process in line with the procurement law.”

Adelaja further said the SUBEB funds have very strict management guidelines which preclude investment and/or placement in an interest-bearing account, adding that contracts for Ogun SUBEB projects are awarded to contractors after successful evaluation of proposals and satisfaction of minimum criteria for qualification by the Evaluation Committee, comprising SUBEB team members led by the Executive Secretary.

“The project evaluation exercise, concluded earlier in the year, typically leads to the issuance of Contract Award letters to the successful contractors who satisfied all the stipulated conditions.

“Award letters are distributed in alphabetical order and contractors are required to go to the Local Government Areas where the project were located and meet with the project engineers for visits to the project sites.

“Upon satisfactory inspection of the sites, usually for a new construction/renovation, the contractor then formally accepts or rejects the award letter via written letter to SUBEB. After this, a contract agreement is then executed between SUBEB and the contractor commences the project. In case of rejection, a new procurement process is activated and the cycle restarts.

“Assessment of compliance with these procurement procedures is a necessary step which must be vetted by the Ministry of Finance to ensure that due process is followed before payments are made to the contractors who have satisfied all the stipulated requirements,” he said.

He added that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration would never compromise the ideal of having contracts executed within reasonable time and meeting the required standards.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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Politics

Banwo & Ighodalo Threaten Legal Action Against APC Chairman Over Defamatory Allegations

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2 hours ago

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December 19, 2024

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Banwo & Ighodalo Threaten Legal Action Against APC Chairman Over Defamatory Allegations

Banwo & Ighodalo Threaten Legal Action Against APC Chairman Over Defamatory Allegations

Renowned Nigerian law firm Banwo & Ighodalo is preparing to take legal action against Jarrett Tenebe, Acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, over allegations described as defamatory and unfounded.

In a formal letter dated December 18, 2024, senior advocate Abimbola Akeredolu (SAN) accused Tenebe of making libelous claims against the firm’s founding partner, Mr. Asue Ighodalo. The allegations stem from a December 17 interview on TMC TV/Radio, during which Tenebe alleged that Mr. Ighodalo “stole 21 government vehicles” from the Edo State Government.

Despite a prior demand for an apology and retraction in a December 11 letter, Tenebe has reportedly failed to comply. Banwo & Ighodalo has now issued a three-day ultimatum for him to withdraw the statements or face formal legal proceedings.

In a related statement, the Team Asue Media Organisation (TAMO) categorically denied the accusations, labeling them a calculated smear campaign intended to discredit Mr. Ighodalo. The statement, signed by TAMO spokesperson Erhabor Emokpae, emphasized that Mr. Ighodalo has an unblemished record of public service. It further clarified that Alaghodaro, a private-sector-driven initiative chaired by Mr. Ighodalo, is committed to driving economic growth and investment in Edo State.

TAMO underscored Mr. Ighodalo’s integrity, noting that he has personally funded his expenses throughout his 16 years of public service, including his tenure as Chairman of Alaghodaro. The allegations of vehicle theft were described as baseless and absurd, with no evidence to substantiate them.

Banwo & Ighodalo has reiterated its commitment to pursuing all legal remedies should the defamatory statements not be retracted. The firm condemned the misuse of misinformation for political gain, warning that such actions undermine public trust and damage democratic institutions.

“We call on all parties to adhere to the principles of truth, integrity, and decency in public discourse,” the firm stated.

Should Tenebe fail to meet the ultimatum, the case is expected to proceed to court, with further developments anticipated in the coming days.

 

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Edo LG Chairmen Reject Suspension, Urge Adherence to Court Judgments By Ifeoma Ikem

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12 hours ago

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December 18, 2024

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Edo LG Chairmen Reject Suspension, Urge Adherence to Court Judgments By Ifeoma Ikem

Edo LG Chairmen Reject Suspension, Urge Adherence to Court Judgments

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

Edo State local government chairmen have denounced their alleged suspension by the State House of Assembly as illegal, urging the governor and lawmakers to respect court rulings affirming their tenure and authority.

Edo LG Chairmen Reject Suspension, Urge Adherence to Court Judgments By Ifeoma Ikem

On December 17, reports emerged that the Assembly suspended all 18 council chairmen and their deputies following Governor Monday Okpebholo’s petition alleging gross misconduct and insubordination. The petition cited Section 10(1) of the Edo State Local Government Law (2000) as its basis.

However, the chairmen, through their legal counsel, Ogaga Ovrawah (SAN), contend that this provision had been declared unconstitutional in a judgment by the Edo State High Court in Suit No. B/257OS/2024. The court established the chairmen’s tenure as a three-year term commencing September 4, 2023.

The council leaders also referenced a Supreme Court judgment voiding state governors’ and assemblies’ authority to interfere with local government administration. They emphasized that their suspension contradicts existing judicial rulings and remains a legal nullity.

A recent interim order from the Edo High Court further restrained the government from obstructing the councils’ operations, assets, and funds. Despite being served notices of these judgments, the chairmen argue that the governor and assembly acted in defiance of the judiciary.

The embattled chairmen called for the governor to withdraw his request to the Assembly and for the lawmakers to rescind their resolution, warning of potential constitutional crises if the orders are ignored.

They urged security agencies to enforce court rulings, safeguard local government properties, and ensure the continuity of governance.

“The rule of law must prevail,” they stated, pledging to remain committed to their constitutional duties.

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Kaduna Governor Uba Sani Restores Abacha Family Lands Revoked by El-Rufai

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1 day ago

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December 18, 2024

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Kaduna Governor Uba Sani Restores Abacha Family Lands Revoked by El-Rufai

Kaduna Governor Uba Sani Restores Abacha Family Lands Revoked by El-Rufai

 

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has reinstated two parcels of land in Kaduna city to the family of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha. The lands had been revoked two years earlier by former governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The reinstated properties include one at No. 9 Abakpa GRA, Kaduna, measuring 2,284 square meters (Certificate of Occupancy No. 30575), and another at No. 1 Degel Road, Ungwan Rimi GRA, Kaduna, measuring 3,705 square meters (Certificate of Occupancy No. 11458).

Reuben Atabo (SAN), the Abacha family’s lawyer, disclosed that the lands were initially revoked in 2022 under Governor El-Rufai’s administration, citing contraventions of terms under the Land Use Act of 1978. The state government had published a notice on April 28, 2022, announcing the revocation of various plots, with Sani Abacha’s name listed as No. 34 among affected title holders.

In response, Atabo filed lawsuits at the Kaduna State High Court, seeking to address the embarrassment caused to the Abacha family name and pursue other claims.

Governor Uba Sani, in two letters dated December 10, 2024, reinstated the titles to the Abacha family through Mustapha Haruna, Deed Registrar, on behalf of the Director General of Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS). The letters, addressed to Mohammed Sani Abacha via the family’s legal counsel, required the title holders to pay outstanding ground rent fees.

The move marks a reversal of El-Rufai’s decision and restores ownership of the disputed lands to the Abacha family.

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