Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has slammed the National Assembly for allegedly causing delay in the delivery of Federal Government projects, saying the legislators often allocate paltry funds to projects earmarked for execution every fiscal year, knowing that such funds are grossly inadequate to achieving any meaningful progress.
Wike said such practice has continued to encourage abandonment of projects and promote inadequacy in terms of governance, project delivery and public service.
He spoke at the inauguration of Dr. Peter Odili Cancer Cardiovascular Diagnostic and Treatment Centre in Port Harcourt, performed by the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, yesterday.
“For a project that will cost N26 billion, you put N500 million in the budget for one year. Then, it will now take you more than 20 years to achieve it. By then, the cost will move up from N26 billion to over 100 billion.
“That is why you have abandonment of projects.” He explained that the facility was named after Odili because as Rivers leader, he operated one of the best clinics in the state, served as governor meritoriously and now contributing to medical education.
Performing the inauguration of the project, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, commended the governor for initiating and actualising the project.
He said: “The dreaded disease of cancer, and its devastating effect on its victim cannot be overemphasised. It does not only destroy its victims and their families emotionally, but renders them financially incapacitated.
“With the commissioning of this centre, those afflicted with this disease and other oncological elements can at least breathe a sigh of relief.”
In his goodwill message, Odili said he and his family were delighted for the honour done to them by naming the centre after him.
“Look at this edifice. The Commissioner for Health has lectured us about the uniqueness of this centre. Everything he said about the centre is true, I fully support and endorse.
The President, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), described the centre as excellent.