The Bayelsa State Ministry of Education has refuted allegations of illegal deductions from contractors handling educational projects within the state. Mr. Joe Sikpi, the Director of Finance and Accounts, clarified that the deductions are statutory and approved by the state government, applying uniformly across all ministries. These deductions include 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT), 2% Withholding Tax (WHT), 3% Bayelsa Infrastructure Maintenance (BIM) levy, 1% Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) levy, 1% stamp duty, and 1% supervision levy, totaling 15.5% of the contract sum. These deductions, he emphasized, are processed directly by the State Treasury, precluding any possibility of manipulation by the Ministry of Education’s Accounts Department.
Addressing claims that contractors have abandoned projects due to these deductions, Mr. Sikpi countered that all ministry-initiated projects are actively progressing. He highlighted the successful completion and commissioning of six new secondary school buildings in Igbogene, Biogbolo, Ekeki, Ovom, and Akenpai communities within Yenagoa. Furthermore, technical colleges in Sampou, Ayamassa, and Ofoni have also been completed, commissioned, and are currently operational. This, he argued, directly contradicts the narrative of abandoned projects.
Mr. Sikpi asserted that the allegations of extortion and project abandonment are fabrications designed to mislead the public. He reiterated that the Ministry’s Finance and Accounts Department adheres strictly to government-approved deductions, with no unauthorized levies imposed on contractors. He characterized the allegations as unprofessional and unfair to the Bayelsa State Ministry of Education, suggesting ulterior motives behind the dissemination of such misinformation.
The controversy arose following weekend publications where unnamed contractors accused the Ministry of Education of imposing illegal deductions, leading to project abandonment. These contractors appealed to Governor Douye Diri to intervene and regulate the ministry’s practices. Their claims directly contradict the official statement issued by the Ministry’s Director of Finance and Accounts, creating a public dispute regarding the financial management of educational projects in Bayelsa State.
The Ministry of Education’s response aims to clarify the nature of deductions from contractors’ payments, emphasizing their legality and standardized application across government ministries. Mr. Sikpi’s statement underscores the transparency of the process, highlighting that the deductions are mandated by the state government and processed directly by the Treasury, thus preventing any potential for manipulation by the ministry. Furthermore, the ministry countered the claims of project abandonment by presenting evidence of completed and operational educational facilities, directly refuting the accusations leveled by the anonymous contractors.
This public disagreement highlights the importance of transparent financial management in government projects. While the ministry contends that its practices are legal and standardized, the anonymous contractors allege otherwise. This situation calls for further investigation and open communication to ensure accountability and maintain public trust in the management of public funds allocated to educational infrastructure development in Bayelsa State. A thorough examination of the financial records and contractual agreements could help resolve the discrepancies and establish a clear understanding of the financial processes involved in these projects. Such transparency would be crucial in addressing public concerns and ensuring the efficient and ethical utilization of public resources.
