Former member of the House of Representatives, Sir Sam Onuigbo, has debunked claims by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, that the Umuahia–Ikwuano–Ikot Ekpene Road project has been abandoned, describing the allegations as “false, misleading, and deliberately sensational.”
Onuigbo represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency from 2015 to 2023 and currently represents the people of the South East on the Board of North East Development Commission (NEDC).
At a press conference in Abuja, Onuigbo addressed what he termed “spurious allegations” raised in a petition by Ubani to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, dated April 7, 2025.
He insisted that work on the strategic road project was ongoing, contrary to the picture of abandonment painted by Ubani.
“I wish to state that contrary to Ubani’s false claim that the project has been abandoned, the reality on ground is that construction is in progress,” Onuigbo said.
He provided details of the progress made, noting that since June 2023—shortly after the Tinubu administration assumed office—8.42 kilometers of failed road sections have been rehabilitated, while 4.47 kilometers of concrete work and drains have also been completed.
He added that between January and March 2025 alone, 880 meters of asphalt binder course, 3.22 kilometers of wearing course, and 1.53 kilometers of concrete drains have been executed.
Onuigbo further recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC), under President Tinubu’s leadership, approved an additional N14.37 billion for the project on February 3, 2025, a move he said signified the administration’s commitment to its completion.
He accused Ubani of intentionally ignoring these facts and pursuing a narrative aimed at undermining the credibility of the Tinubu-led government and its flagship ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.
“To describe this vital artery as a ‘death trap’ and ‘nearly impassable’ is not just an exaggeration but a calculated distortion. This is designed to provoke undue alarm rather than foster constructive dialogue,” Onuigbo said.
The former lawmaker noted that this was not the first time Ubani had made similar claims, pointing out that in 2021 and again in 2023, the lawyer had issued petitions claiming abandonment of the same road project, claims which, Onuigbo said, were found to be untrue.
He questioned Ubani’s motives, noting that despite being a Labour Party chieftain and an appointee of the Abia State Government, he also holds a position as Senior Special Adviser to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio of the APC.
“It beggars belief that such a senior lawyer could draw stipends from an APC-controlled government while making bold efforts to de-market the party at home,” Onuigbo said.
He emphasized that the contractor, Hartland Construction Company, has remained on site and continues to work, albeit facing challenges typical of large-scale federal infrastructure projects. These include logistical constraints, environmental barriers, and funding delays.
Onuigbo praised the intervention by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in supporting the road’s development, describing it as a “testament to the Tinubu administration’s resolve” to complete the project.
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