The Abia State House of Assembly has threatened to terminate its contract with Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing Ltd. This coming on the heels of alleged failure on an agreement with the manufacturing company to produce vehicles for all the lawmakers.
This was disclosed by the Speaker of the House, Emmanuel Emeruwa, on Thursday in Umuahia.
The Speaker made the disclosure while speaking with journalists as part of activities to mark the first anniversary of the 8th Assembly.
News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports that Emeruwa regretted that members were yet to have their vehicles from INNOSON, one year after their inauguration.
Emeruwa pointed that the preference for INNOSON vehicles was informed by the quest by the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti. He stressed that it was done in the bid to promote local content.
The Speaker stated that INNOSON had received all the money required to produce the vehicles for assembly members. He regretted that that the company had revoked more than ten times to make them.
He said, “So far, INNOSON has not been able to produce or perform its own side of the agreement.
“At this point, we are on the verge of terminating that contract. And we are asking for our money back if they don’t perform within the next 15 days.
“This House is very serious about it. And they cannot continue pacifying us after one year.”
When contacted on Friday, the spokesperson for INNOSON Motors, Cornel Osigwe, refuted the Speaker. He said contrary to the speaker’s claim, the company has not been paid for the contract.
Osigwe explained that when Governor Otti wanted to make payment for the vehicles, the company declined. He said the company had preferred to receive the payment when the cars had been delivered.
Osigwe added that the vehicles ordered by the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti for the lawmakers were “special vehicles”. He maintained that the production of the vehicles needed a new frame, which was not previously produced at the INNOSON factory.
He said, “Given that INNOSON Motors considered the contract important, the company produced a sample for approval by the Governor.
“During this process, the Governor suggested some re-modifications, which we promptly implemented to meet his specified requirements.
“As of today, we would like to inform the public that we have completed all modifications and have addressed any initial defects.”
Osigwe stated that “The new model vehicles are undergoing rigorous testing at our quality control section.
“We are pleased to announce that the vehicles will be ready by the end of this month. And the supply will be completed by the beginning of next month (July).”
The spokesman, however, expressed gratitude to the Abia State State Government for their continued patronage and support. H assured that the company has taken “significant measures” to prevent “future delays”. And promised to uphold its commitment to delivering high-quality vehicles the lawmakers.
source: Premium Times
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