Concerned Orhionmwon Citizens Demand Update on Benin–Abraka Road Project, Seek Probe of Fund Utilisation

A group under the aegis of Concerned Orhionmwon Citizens (COC) has called on relevant authorities to provide a comprehensive update on the reconstruction of the Benin–Abraka Road, expressing concern over the prolonged condition of the highway and its impact on residents, commuters and businesses.

In a statement issued on Friday, the group said the deteriorating state of the road has continued to inflict hardship on thousands of road users and urged those responsible for the planning, funding and execution of the project to disclose its current status, including funding, work completed and the expected completion timeline.

The group specifically called for clarification on funds it claimed were released for the project through the Edo State representative on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Hon. Patrick Aisowieren.

According to the statement, the group alleged that funds meant for the reconstruction of the road had been released but that the project had failed to progress as expected. It further accused Aisowieren of diverting the funds for personal interests and sponsoring individuals allegedly used to intimidate members of the public, as well as engaging in illegal oil bunkering.

However, the group did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegations, and Hon. Aisowieren had not responded to the claims as of the time of filing this report.

COC warned that if satisfactory information is not made available and visible progress is not recorded within a reasonable period, it would petition relevant oversight and anti-corruption agencies to investigate the handling of funds allocated to the road project.

The group stressed that its demand for an investigation should not be interpreted as a conclusion of wrongdoing but as a call for transparency and accountability in the execution of public infrastructure projects.

“The people of Orhionmwon and all users of the Benin–Abraka Road deserve safe infrastructure, accountability and responsible stewardship of public funds,” the statement said.
Efforts to obtain comments from Hon. Patrick Aisowieren were unsuccessful before publication. His response will be published when received.