By Chris Ochayi & Caleb Ayansina

BURUTU- Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe has summoned contractors handling various skill acquisitions centre projects in the Niger Delta region to Abuja.

Not satisfied with the slothful approach to the projects by contractors handling them, Elder Orubebe had, three weeks ago, issued two weeks ultimatum to the contractors within which to either perform or get their contracts terminated.

The minister subsequently set up two task force in Edo and Delta states to monitor and assess the performance of the contractors.

Orubebe, who paid an unscheduled visit to the projects sites in Edo and Delta states, Monday, to execute the sacking threat on the contractors, was, however, to stay action pending the outcome of the next meeting.

The project sites visited by the minister included: Iguelaba community in Orhiowon Local Government, Edo State; Tuomo community, Brutu Local Government Area, Delta State.

Orubebe said: “We will go back to the ministry to review the entire process. The contractors were invited for a meeting in Abuja. At that meeting we gave them two weeks to come to site and show us why the contract should not be terminated. Today (yesterday) is making it three weeks. We have gone round and we have accessed the projects.

“We will be meeting with the Chairman of the Task Force and his team. We have asked the task force Chairman, the contractors and consultants to come to Abuja for a meeting so that the ministry can chat the best way forward.”

“We are going to take a decision and our decision will be conveyed to Nigerians.”

On whether any punitive action would be meted to any defaulting contractor, the Minister said: “That was why the last time we gave them two weeks. We wanted to know why the contract should not be finally terminated and at the expiration of two weeks we came to inspect what is on the ground. That is what we are going back with.

“We will be advised technically and legally. We will know what to do and that is why the meeting we will hold tomorrow (today).”