Concerned Orhionmwon Citizens (COC) Demand Urgent Action on the Benin–Abraka Road

The Concerned Orhionmwon Citizens (COC) express deep concern over the continued condition of the Benin–Abraka Road, which remains a major source of hardship for commuters, businesses and residents who rely on it daily.

We call on all relevant authorities and public officials responsible for the planning, funding and execution of this project to provide the public with a clear update on its status, including the funding allegedly released to the Edo State Representative at the NDDC, Hon. Patrick Aisowieren, to reconstruct the road, work completed and timelines for its completion.

COC made this known in a statement which in part, reads “it has come to our notice that the funds for the timely completion of the Benin-Abraka road reconstruction have long been released to Hon. Patrick Aisowieren who not only serves as the Edo state representative in the commission but also from Orhionmwon where the road passes through, connecting the majority of the villages and communities that make up the local government area.

It is however disheartening that Hon. Aisowieren has allegedly misappropriated and easily diverted the money for self aggrandisement and sponsorship of thugs and miscreants he uses to intimidate the people he is supposed to serve and engage in oil bunkering.”

The statement adds that If satisfactory information is not provided and tangible progress is not made within a reasonable period, COC will formally petition the appropriate oversight and anti-corruption agencies, requesting an independent investigation into the handling of funds allocated to the project and whether those funds have been properly utilised.

This call is not intended to prejudge the outcome of any investigation. Rather, it reflects our belief that public infrastructure projects should be delivered transparently and that any credible concerns about the use of public resources deserve independent scrutiny.

The people of Orhionmwon and all users of the Benin–Abraka Road deserve safe infrastructure, accountability and responsible stewardship of public funds.