By Paul Effiong
In a major breakthrough, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, on Thursday, successfully brokered peace between the federal government and indigenous contractors after weeks of tension over unpaid debts.
This was contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secreatary, CPS, Levinus Nwabughiogu and made available to journalists in Abuja, yesterday.
According to the statement, the resolution followed days of protest in Abuja by contractors who had been owed for several months.
The statement revealed that Kalu was appointed Chairman of the House Special Committee on Budget Implementation by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
It gathered that he immediately convened an expanded meeting with over 80 contractors and key government officials, including the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi to resolve the matter.
The meeting, it was gathered, lasted more than four hours leading to the production of a roadmap for payment and a commitment to restore trust in the system.
At the end of the discussions, the deputy speaker announced that payment to the contractors would commence from Monday, noting that the agreement was reached in the best interest of the economy.
While commending both parties for embracing dialogue instead of confrontation, Kalu stressed that sustained engagement will prevent future breakdown of relation among the parties.
He revealed that a follow-up meeting would hold on September 21 to review implementation progress.
The minister of finance also confirmed the new arrangement, assuring that payment would begin immediately after the weekend.
He commended Kalu for his timely intervention and explained that an orderly and systematic process had been agreed upon to clear the backlog of debts.
The Accountant-General, Ogunjimi also supported the immediate payment of contractors, stressing that they should expect funds to begin “dropping” from Monday next week.
The leadership of the Association of Indigenous Contractors of Nigeria welcomed the outcome, pledging to suspend their protests, expressing satisfaction with the resolutions reached.
They hailed the deputy speaker’s intervention, noting that the prompt reaction has averted further disruption and demonstration.
Contractors also informed that dialogue remains the most effective tool in resolving all disputes between government and key stakeholders within and outside Nigeria.
