The Association of Ebonyi State Indigenes Socio-Cultural in the Diaspora (AEISCID) has called on the Federal Government to ensure strict accountability before releasing the proposed ₦248 billion road infrastructure fund for Ebonyi State.
The diaspora association expressed reservations about the planned allocation, questioning the performance of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration and the handling of some road projects associated with the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
In a statement signed by its Worldwide President, Ambassador Paschal Oluchukwu, AEISCID said its concerns followed an announcement by Vice President Kashim Shettima during an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally at Pa Oruta Ngele Township Stadium in Abakaliki.
Shettima had announced plans for additional federal funding for major road projects in Ebonyi, including the dualisation of the Enugu–Abakaliki–Ogoja Road, rehabilitation of the Onueke–Ezza corridor and construction or improvement of the Okposi–Amasiri Road.
The association questioned the state government’s record on infrastructure delivery, alleging that despite substantial federal allocations to Ebonyi since 2023, several road projects remained incomplete or abandoned.
AEISCID also disputed Governor Nwifuru’s reported claim that his administration had completed more than 1,000 kilometres of roads, including two-kilometre roads in communities across the state’s 13 local government areas.
The group challenged the governor to provide verifiable evidence of the projects, claiming that several construction sites had been abandoned and contractors had withdrawn from their locations.
It further alleged that residents of several rural communities, including parts of the governor’s Izzi area, continued to experience difficulties accessing their homes and farmlands, particularly during the rainy season.
According to the association, videos circulating online showed the condition of some affected communities and the difficulties residents faced navigating their roads.
AEISCID also drew attention to the Ndibe-Beach Bridge project in Afikpo, which is expected to improve connectivity between Ebonyi and Cross River states.
The association alleged that construction work on the bridge had stalled, with contractors reportedly leaving the project site.
It further accused Minister of Works David Umahi of allegedly threatening to discontinue the project if Afikpo residents failed to support the APC in the 2027 elections.
Describing the alleged position as unacceptable, AEISCID maintained that access to public infrastructure should not depend on the political choices or affiliations of residents.
The group argued that road construction and other public infrastructure projects are obligations of government and should not be treated as political incentives.
The association cautioned the Federal Government against releasing another ₦248 billion for Ebonyi road projects without establishing effective accountability and monitoring mechanisms.
It expressed concern that the proposed funds could be mismanaged or diverted for political purposes ahead of the 2027 general elections if adequate safeguards were not introduced.
AEISCID, however, clarified that it was not opposed to federal infrastructure investment in Ebonyi State.
Rather, it insisted that transparency, proper project supervision and accountability should guide the approval and disbursement of the proposed road infrastructure funding.
The association urged the Federal Government to ensure that public funds allocated to Ebonyi road projects translate into completed infrastructure that directly improves the lives of residents.
As discussions surrounding the proposed ₦248 billion Ebonyi road fund continue, the group’s intervention has brought renewed attention to project execution, infrastructure accountability and the need for transparent management of public resources in the state.
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