Imo Concorde Hotel contract award: Tourism Commissioner, Egemba clears Air

The recent accusations of the Imo government about the award of contract on the renovation of the Imo Concorde hotel Owerri which have attracted wide criticisms have been cleared by the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism and culture, Hon Barr Jerry Egemba.

It was alleged that the contract didn’t follow due process as stipulated  on the procurement act or contract law of the state. It was also alleged according to the report on the pages of newspapers that the contract will gulp a whooping sum #18.5 billion naira to be executed; an amount that can build two Concorde hotels. And that  Governor Hope Uzodinma awarded the contracts to himself and cronies.

Speaking to newsmen recently in his office, the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism and culture, Hon. Barr. Jerry Egemba said the accusers and the carriers of such news report are enemies of the state, as it falls short of the truth.

Hon. Egemba whose passion for the development of the state knows no bounds noted that the contract for the renovation of the almighty Concorde hotel passed through the Due Process of law as stipulated in the constitution of the country and in particular that of the Imo state.

He added that the amount involved is not up to #18.5 billion as stated by the accusers but that the standard for the renovation is placed very high in such a way that it would meet up international standard .

Egemba said though a reasonable amount of money has been earmarked for the project but definitely not up to #18.5 billion. He noted that the contract was awarded to an internationally certified contractor of a first class standard who was tested and trusted, and not to the governor’s company.

The Commissioner asserted that under his watch, no corrupt activity will be carried out on the renovation of the hotel as he has vowed to contribute his quota to the development of the state.

He opined that every process of the execution of the contract would be properly documented to ensure proper accountability. He promised to deliver a very high standard Concorde hotel that will compete internationally.

“Concorde hotel Owerri which was a legacy bequeathed to us by our former governor, Late Chief Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe cannot be destroyed but will be given a befitting look in honour of our late sage and governor, and  Governor Hope Uzodinma is passionate about the upgrading of the hotel to an international standard,” he stated.