By Terdue Atondu, Makurdi
The Benue State Coordinator of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), Hon. Stephen Numbeve, has dismissed as fake and politically motivated a purported seven-day ultimatum circulating on social media, allegedly issued by contractors demanding payment for projects executed more than a year ago.
The purported letter reportedly threatened peaceful protests across the state if the alleged outstanding payments were not settled within seven days.
However, Numbeve, while reacting to the development during a telephone conversation with journalists on Wednesday, denied the claims and described the document as an attempt by political elements to discredit the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia.
He said those behind the letter were not genuine RAAMP contractors, insisting that the project does not owe any contractor under his watch.
According to him, anyone who believes RAAMP is indebted to them should approach the agency with details of the contract and outstanding claims rather than circulate unverified information on social media.
Numbeve explained that RAAMP awards contracts to registered companies and not individuals.
“RAAMP does not give contracts to individuals but to registered companies,” he said.
The coordinator condemned the purported ultimatum and urged members of the public to disregard what he described as false and unfounded information being circulated against the agency.
He maintained that the development was politically motivated and aimed at undermining the achievements of the Alia administration within its period in office.
Numbeve further urged anyone with a genuine contractual claim against RAAMP to come forward through the appropriate channels for verification and resolution.
