No life lost in U.J. Esuene stadium collapse

But not for public holidays observed by children, students, civil and public servants in Calabar, about five thousand people would have been trapped to dead as the multi-million naira indoor sports hall of the U. J. Esuene stadium seemingly abandoned by Cross River State government collapsed. The structure collapsed and carved in shortly after a torrential rainfall that hit the state capital.

The part of the stadium was under construction for over two years and the contract was awarded by former Governor Liyel Imoke to Uzuola Giwa-Amu. The work was abandoned as the contractor absconded with nothing less than 2.5 billion Naira.

Extra Time gathered that the structure was expected to be used by over 50, 000 athletes.

The structure our investigations revealed has only 8mm rods in the pillars and decking platforms which by all estimation shouldn’t be the material to be used for such construction. The structure collapsed at a time when the children’s competition taken place in the stadium was suspended to observe the Easter Holiday.

Disappointedly, Governor Ben Ayade was aware of the dubious contract and how it was a drain pipe project of the Liyel Imoke administration, but has refused to order an investigation into it, perhaps, due to his close relationship with the former governor of the state.

“When efforts are being made to track the contractors to the site or to answer questions on the poor materials used, Governor Ayade turned a deaf ear and discountenances such advice,” a source alleged.

The source further opined that the solution to that problem was for EFCC to come into the matter with a view to saving life of our people and recover the loot funds carted away by the contractors.

The contractor, it was gathered was now living a flamboyant life in Ghana and UK were he bought choicest buildings against the well being of Cross River people.

The Chairman of the Cross River Sports Commission, Hon Orok Otu Duke has said over 2000 children would have been crushed to death if not for the public holiday as the children were fond of playing round the structure whenever they are at the stadium.