U.J Esuene Stadium still abandoned months after it collapsed

The Multi-million naira indoor Sports Hall of the U. J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, Cross River State, collapsed over three months ago and it’s yet to receive government attention. The structure collapsed and caved in shortly after a torrential rainfall that hit Calabar, the State capital.
DAILY POST’S investigation reveals that a 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.

It was gathered that the structure expected to admit over 50, 000 athletes was constructed with 8mm rods used 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 holding in the stadium was suspended in order to observe the Easter Holiday.
Despite that the Governor was aware of the development, a source told DAILY POST he is playing safe, and turning his other face to the poor work done without investigating same. The source disclosed that he is avoiding initiating a probe so there is no problem between him and his friend, the former Governor, Governor Liyel Imoke.

“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,” the source was alleged.
The solution to the problem, DAILY POST was informed would be to invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intervene in the matter with a view to saving lives of the people and recover the loot carted away by the contractors.

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

Investigations revealed further that over 14 Million Dollars was paid at the cost of N150 per Dollar then. Interestingly, before the collapse of the structure, the Special Adviser to Governor Ben Ayade on Sports, Mr Effiom Effiwatt said government needs over N600 million to complete the facilities at the stadium.
“N600 million just for completion of facilities at the stadium, then we will now talk about equipping some of them and also doing all the financial framework required for hosting competition such as the National Sports festival, so the government decided to take it in beat.”
When contacted on phone on Friday, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ben Ayade, Mr Christian Ita, said that the Governor could not abandon payment of Salary to several thousands of workers in the state because he is hosting the National Sports Festival.
He said that Governor Ben Ayade had visited the collapsed structure and had even instructed the Commissioner for Sports, Comrade Asu Okang on what to do in the interim.
“People are struggling to pay salary, should we stop paying salary and host National Sports Festival? The collapsed structure will be worked on, Governor has visited the place and saw things by himself.
“He was scheduled to visit there two weeks ago but it wasn’t possible because of more pressing demand of his office. Those things will be completed as soon as funds are available, we are committed to it,” Mr Ita told DAILY POST.