Ebonyi State’s claim that more than 627 kilometres of roads have been completed under Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s administration deserves a public, project-by-project accounting.
On 14 September, the state’s Commissioner for Works, Stanley Lebechi Mbam, said the administration had completed more than 627 kilometres of roads since taking office in 2023. The statement followed an inspection of government projects by the Ebonyi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
Six days later, Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii called for the publication of procurement records, payments, contract variations and certificates relating to the road projects. He also sought explanations concerning other publicly funded projects.
The opposition’s demand is not proof of financial wrongdoing. Equally, an official announcement of completed kilometres is not, on its own, a complete public record of what was built, what it cost or whether each project meets its specifications.
Roads affect the daily lives of farmers, traders, schoolchildren, patients and businesses. They determine how easily people reach markets, healthcare facilities and schools. When public funds are allocated to infrastructure, citizens should be able to verify the results.
The Ebonyi State Government should publish a consolidated road-project register identifying each road, its location, length, approved contract sum, contractor, award date, amount paid, completion status and the relevant inspection or completion certificate. Where contracts were varied, terminated or re-awarded, the reasons and financial consequences should be disclosed.
The State House of Assembly should use its oversight powers to examine the records and verify whether reported completion figures match the contracts and physical works delivered.
This is not a demand to dismiss every government achievement. If 627 kilometres of roads have genuinely been completed to the required standard, a transparent register would help demonstrate that achievement and strengthen public confidence.
But taxpayers should not have to choose between an official claim and a political counterclaim. The records should settle the question.
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By Viewers Corner News