By Austin Ogwuda
ACTING Governor of Delta State, Prince Sam Obi, Wednesday, inaugurated a new Executive Council. He also announced the suspension of release of funds to all ongoing mega projects, saying that his priority was to pay contractors to enable them enjoy the Christmas.

The acting Governor also directed the State Oil Producing Development Areas Commission, DESOPADEC, to ensure that indebtedness to contractors were cleared too and put mega projects on hold for now.

He charged the new Commissioners to brace up and ensure prudence in all they do, saying that he would not tolerate indolence or any form of financial recklessness.

With the suspension of funds to mega projects, it is no longer feasible that the much-awaited inauguration of the Asaba International Airport,  scheduled before the end of this year will come to reality.

Minister of Aviation, Mrs. Fidelia Njeze, had early this month when she came  to carry out the final inspection of the  Airport before its formal inauguration, said “airport construction is one project the Federal Government is encouraging. States to go into because it throws the state open for economic development. I have interest in this (Asaba) Airport project and will do everything to ensure that it is completed soon.”

She particularly commended the former Delta State Governor, Dr Uduaghan for not coming the Federal Government with cap in hand begging for financial assistance, despite the huge capital involved in the construction of such a project.

Said she, “I am happy that Delta State did not rely on the Federal Government to start the project for her, it  began the initiative because the state knows the economic potentials it will bring to it. I encourage other state to follow suit.”

It will be recalled that while receiving her on a courtesy visit at Government House Asaba, Uduaghan  had said that the airport project would cost N17.5 billion and commended the Minister for the infrastructural changes in the Aviation sector.