The traducers had charged that due process was side-tracked in the ministry’s award of a N42 billion contract for a rural electrification scheme in eight federal universities. The lawmakers cited not just the alleged non-adherence to public procurement imperatives, but an inflation of the said contract. The ministry got an approval to award a N38.9 billion contract, and not N42 billion, as the inquisitors tried to make heavy weather out of the issue. This explained why Fashola told them, and rightly too, that instead of conducting the public hearing, a simple letter would have resolved the issue. “I want you to know that nobody will see you privately, and we are here for the hearing…,” Anyim thundered, to the chagrin of all.

Source: Punch February 10, 2018 23:03 UTC