David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

A group of contractors in Anambra State who supplied diesel for use in generators for powering streetlights across the state have staged a peaceful protest to the Government House in Awka.

Their protest was over the alleged refusal of the state government to pay outstanding debts amounting to about N900 million for diesel supplied in March and April of 2022. The contractors, who converged on the Government House in Awka, accused the government of making selective payments, alleging that while a few contractors had been settled, many others were being unfairly sidelined without any explanation.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Selective payment is injustice,” the protesters said they had exhausted all official channels to seek redress without any meaningful response from the authorities.

Speaking during the protest, their leader, Hon. Nnaemeka Oraka, claimed that some of their colleagues had died out of frustration since 2022.

He said: “We are 72 contractors, but only seven have been paid. We don’t understand the criteria for this selective payment. We followed due process and executed legitimate jobs for the government. Yet, we’ve been abandoned.

“We funded these supplies from our pockets. It was like giving the government a loan. We have families, we owe banks, and some of us have lost everything. Some of our members have even died due to the stress.”

He said several letters had been written to relevant government agencies to no avail, adding that the protest was a last resort.

The aggrieved contractors—many of them members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)-declared their continued support for the party and Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s reelection  project, but lamented that the unpaid debts had pushed their families into hardship.

The protesters, including both men and women, marched from Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square to the New Government House.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, who received the protesters, commended them for being peaceful in the protest, assuring them that the government was not insensitive to their plight.

“I want to assure you that your concerns have been heard. His Excellency is committed to resolving this issue. Your matter has moved to another table from the last time you visited, for attention. We will resolve your case amicably after a review,” Ezeajughi said.

He asked the contractors to nominate three or four representatives for a follow-up meeting aimed at reaching an amicable resolution.

While the contractors welcomed the assurance, they said they would continue to press for full payment if no concrete action is taken soon.

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