Okporoenyi Amawom Road Is A State Project, Not Ben Kalu’s – Traditional Ruler Clarifies

The traditional ruler of Okporoenyi Autonomous Community in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, His Royal Highness Eze Ogbonna Iromantu, has clarified that the ongoing reconstruction of the Okporoenyi Amawom Road is a project of the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Otti.

The clarification followed widespread claims that the project was facilitated by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and member representing Bende Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

Speaking to journalists at his palace, Eze Iromantu urged politicians to stop taking credit for projects they did not attract. He emphasized the need for honesty, transparency, and proper record-keeping in governance.

The monarch recounted that he had made repeated appeals to past administrations under Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator Theodore Orji, and Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for the rehabilitation of the road, but no progress was made. Letters were also sent to former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, and former Bende Federal Constituency representative, Hon. Nnenna Ukeje, yet the road remained in poor condition.

According to the royal father, Hon. Benjamin Kalu had attempted to work on the road but could only advance about one kilometre before the project stalled. He stated that the current construction was approved and awarded in January 2024 by the Abia State Government, following interventions from stakeholders including Hon. Chinasa Abiola, member representing Umuahia Central State Constituency, and Mr. Sunny Nwankwo, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor.

“There was a flag-off here in this community,” Eze Iromantu said. “Two contractors were engaged to work from both ends, one from Amawom and the other from Okporoenyi, covering a total stretch of about 14 kilometres. The project is fully funded by the Abia State Government, and we are impressed by the quality of work.”

Supporting the monarch’s statement, the councillor representing Bende Ward, Hon. Emmanuel Nwankwo, confirmed that the project is under Governor Alex Otti’s administration. He praised the government’s commitment to rural infrastructure and the Deputy Chief of Staff for ensuring steady progress.

Meanwhile, findings by Dreamnews revealed discrepancies in some projects reportedly credited to the Deputy Speaker. One of such is the newly built Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) office in Bende, allegedly facilitated by Hon. Kalu, which has not been occupied by NIS officials. Residents say the structure is currently being used by the security task force, Operation Crush.

A local resident, Mr. Emeka Kalu, criticised the repurposing of the building, calling for more people-oriented projects that serve their intended goals.

The revelations have sparked calls for public officeholders to ensure accuracy in claims of project execution, as transparency strengthens public trust and accountability.