Akwa Ibom Assembly orders investigation into abandoned Udung Uko-Uko Itak Road project

Ifiok Itiaba 

Sir Effiong Johnson presenting the motion during Tuesday's plenary 

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has directed the Ministry of Works to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abandonment of the Udung Uko-Uko Itak Road project, a contract awarded about eight years ago to Evomec Global Services Limited.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved during plenary on Tuesday by the Member representing Mbo State Constituency and Chief Whip of the House, Sir Effiong Johnson.

The House mandated the Ministry to scrutinize the terms of the contract, the funds that have been released so far, the stipulated timelines for completion, and the factors responsible for the project’s current state of abandonment. The Ministry has been instructed to submit a detailed report to the House within a specified timeframe.

Speaker Udeme Otong presiding over the session 

Seconded by member representing Mkpat Enin State Constituency, Hon Uweh Imoh-Ita, the House also charged its Committee on Works to undertake an on-the-spot assessment of the road project. The committee is expected to ascertain the actual level of work executed and identify the specific challenges that have hindered the completion of the road, which serves as a critical artery for residents of Mbo and Udung Uko Local Government Areas.

Presenting the motion, Sir Johnson expressed concern that despite the contract being awarded nearly a decade ago to improve transportation, boost economic activities, and ease the movement of goods and services, the project has allegedly been left unattended. He noted that the abandonment has left the road in a deplorable and hazardous condition, subjecting commuters, farmers, pupils, and traders to untold hardship while stifling socioeconomic activities in the adjoining communities.

He further argued that if the abandonment was confirmed, it would represent a grievous waste of public resources, poor contract performance, and a breach of public trust. The lawmaker emphasized that the House was acting within its constitutional oversight mandate over Ministries, Departments, and Agencies regarding the implementation of public infrastructure projects.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, referred the matter to the House Committee on Works and Transport, with a firm directive to report its findings back to the House within two weeks.