**Fraud on Ikobi Road Construction Project: Hon. Ojema’s Silence**
On November 10, 2023, under the leadership of Honourable Ojema, who represents the good people of the Apa-Agatu federal constituency in the National Assembly, a contract was awarded for the construction of a 1.5km earth road at Ikobi, a farming community within the Apa local government area. The contract, awarded to an indigenous firm, Messrs. Tejjasbiz Multi Services LTD, had a stated value of Fifty-Seven Million, Eight Hundred and Forty Thousand, Nine Hundred and Twenty Naira (N57,840,920.00).
In a show of community spirit, the residents collectively raised over two million naira to support the project, which was paid in cash to the contractors to expedite development in their area.
However, it is frustrating to note that despite these efforts, our Honourable member appears indifferent to the situation. Reports have emerged that the contractors, who had been urged to commence work on the stretch from Ikobi town to Ijaha, halted operations midway after only constructing a few culverts and subsequently absconded with the community’s funds.
Repeated attempts to bring this matter to the Honourable’s attention have gone unacknowledged, as he seems focused on his personal interests rather than the welfare of his constituents. As the elected representative of this community, it is his responsibility to pursue these contractors for accountability and keep the community informed about the reasons behind the project’s delays. Moreover, he should be advocating for the return of the funds wrongly taken from these residents who rely on that road for transporting their agricultural produce.
This situation resonates with a remark made by the Honourable’s legislative aide, (Dr) Ekani, who recently stated in a local social media forum, “the Honourable member has no obligation to explain to any constituent regarding any issue of community concern.” Such a dismissive attitude towards pressing constituency matters does not reflect well on him, especially considering his background as a pastor and a recognized student leader in Benue.
Honourable Ojema should observe how his colleague, Hon. Martins Esin, representative of the Orion/Mbo/Ojobo/Using Uko/Urueoffong Oruko federal constituency in Akwa Ibom State, actively engages with his constituents and follows up on community issues.
This serves as a reminder to the Honourable member that the community members have reached out on numerous occasions regarding this pressing issue. However, to date, he has shown a blatant disregard for their concerns. There has been no inquiry into why the contractors absconded with the community’s funds, neither has there been any initiative from any of his praise singers for him to convene a town hall meeting to address these critical developments.
I remain your sincere brother,
Paul G Edoh Jr.
Chief Advocate for Power Rotation Project