For the alleged failure of the government of Oyo State to honour its promise to the contractors handling school furniture contracts worth N869 million, the contractors have petitioned the state governor, Abiola Ajimobi.

Numbering 220, the contractors, including artisans, were awarded the contracts two years ago to supply 55,000 units of school furniture at the rate of N15,800 per pair.

Each contractor, according to the letter of award, would be given 60 per cent of the contract sum as an advance payment, but, 21 months after the contracts were awarded, the state government has not released any money to the contractors.

In the letter of award, titled “Award of Contract for the Procurement of School Furniture” dated March 28, 2013 and signed by the Director (Cabinet), F.O Omokemi for the Secretary to the State Government, copy of which was made available to Saturday Independent, a contractor was awarded 250 pairs at the sum of N3,950,000.

The contractors have alleged that after spending their money to execute the contract, government has not taken delivery of the furniture or paid the 60 per cent of the contract sum even after the submission of performance bond as demanded by the government.