Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta on Sunday in Warri warned that his administration would no longer tolerate a situation where contractors abandoned projects in the state.
Uduaghan gave the warning at the Annual Thanksgiving Service of the Iwere Kingdom held at the Foursquare Gospel Church in the palace of the Olu of Warri.
He described contractors who failed to execute government projects within the specified time as “wrong messengers of government who do not want the people to benefit from the dividends of democracy’’.
The governor said it was government’s responsibility to ensure that the people enjoyed a decent living standard through the provision of adequate infrastructure.
“We hold a position of responsibility to improve the people`s standard of living. The problem is that we send a message and the messenger delivers it wrongly.
“Some say no government project has been awarded or executed in their area. But, I can tell you that we have awarded so many contracts which have neither been half-done nor completely abandoned.
“Henceforth, anyone who stops the people from benefiting from my administration will account for it,’’ he warned.
Uduaghan also warned operators of the Delta City Bus against overcharging passengers.
“The bus fares are subsidised by 50 per cent and the buses fitted with air conditioners for the benefit of the people.
“I wonder why people will be delighted in subjecting their neighbours to so much difficulty,’’ the governor said.
Also at the occasion, the President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ayo Oritsejafor, prayed for the Itsekiri people and urged them to remain steadfast in the Lord.
In his sermon, Rev. Lucky Eruebi of the Church of God Mission, Effurun, focused on the importance of thanksgiving at all times.
“Giving thanks to the Lord has a way of moving God to do more for people,’’ he said.
The service was also attended by Godsday Orubebe, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr Roland Oritsejafor, a former Minister of State for Defence, and Prof. Amos Utuama, Deputy Governor, Delta.