The Leader of the Enugu State Caucus in the House of Representatives and Member representing Nkanu East and West Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, has risen in strong defence of the Enugu State Government amid an ongoing contract dispute involving Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited.
The controversy stems from a multi-billion-naira contract awarded to Sujimoto for the construction of 22 smart school buildings across Enugu State.
According to Hon. Nnaji, the company, led by CEO Mr. Olasijibomi Ogundele, received N5.7 billion, representing 50 percent of the total contract sum of ₦11.46 billion, but failed to deliver on the agreed terms.
“This is not just a breach of contract, it is a calculated act of fraud,” Rt. Hon. Nnaji said in a statement.
“Ogundele’s actions are highly irresponsible and a betrayal of the trust placed in his company by the people and government of Enugu State.”
The contract, signed on July 2, 2024, stipulated a six-month completion period, designed to ensure that the schools would be ready before the new academic session in September 2025.
However, despite the upfront payment, no meaningful work has been completed at any of the sites.
Hon. Nnaji also questioned the financial arrangements surrounding the contract, noting that while Ogundele presented a Jaiz Bank guarantee, he instructed that payments be made into his company’s Zenith Bank account, a move the lawmaker described as suspicious and indicative of premeditated fraud.
“It is regrettable that a company which claims to operate with high standards would resort to such manipulative tactics to scam the Enugu State Government,” Nnaji stated.
“I call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to recover every kobo paid to the company and ensure full accountability.”
The lawmaker emphasized that the matter goes beyond financial loss, it affects thousands of students whose access to modern educational facilities now hangs in the balance.
“This was a flagship project meant to uplift public education in Enugu State. The failure of Sujimoto to deliver is not just an insult to the government, it is a direct sabotage of the future of our children,” he said.
Rt. Hon. Nnaji further urged the Enugu State Government to seek full compensation for the breach, in addition to recovering the lost funds.
He reiterated his commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible governance, particularly in projects that impact public welfare.
“I stand with the people and government of Enugu State in demanding justice. We must not allow impunity to thrive in a democracy,” Nnaji concluded.
