Some contractors have appealed to the Imo State Government to offset N15 billion in debts for supplies made and contracts executed between 2011 and 2015.

A contractor, Great Nwokewho, who addressed journalists in Abuja on behalf of others, said most of them could barely feed their families, adding that they are grappling with accumulated interest rates from banks.

Nwokewho said, ?We have gathered here today to address a pressing matter regarding the non-payment of an aggregate sum of N15,989,213,218.00 (Fifteen Billion Nine Hundred and Eighty-Nine Million Two Hundred and Thirteen Thousand, Two Hundred And Eighteen Naira) owed to us for supplies made and contracts executed in Imo State between 2011 and 2015.

?The delay in payment by the Imo State Government to our individual companies, respectively, has resulted in severe consequences, including the loss of lives due to depression caused by accumulated interest rates from banks. We fear that if urgent action is not taken, more lives may be lost.

?We appeal to the Imo State government to settle our outstanding balance without further delay,? he said. (Daily Sun)