As part of measures to hold the government to account, an Abia-based rights group, the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Foundation for Environmental Right Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), has invoked the Freedom of Information (FOI Act) to gain disclosure on the Abia State Government’s claim of having constructed 108 roads in the state.
This was contained in a letter of FOI request addressed to the State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, through the State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti, made available to journalists.
The request followed claims by the Otti administration in Abia State regarding the construction of 108 roads, which have stirred significant public concern and skepticism.
The group is saying that the people are beginning to question the Governor’s declarations regarding his administration’s infrastructure achievements, especially with the absence of tangible evidence to support these claims.
The letter signed by the FENRAD Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nwafor, and the group’s Head Legal team and Litigation, Barr Femisi Akande said to address these concerns, it became important to formally request detailed information from the State Government regarding these road construction projects.
Describing a Freedom of Information (FOI) request as an effective tool to ensure that the government provides the public with accurate and verifiable data, FENRAD said the information will enable the public to assess the governor’s performance and ensure that public funds are being utilized effectively and transparently.
The specific information requested in the letter includes a detailed list of the 108 roads, the names, lengths, locations, and specifications, along with technical details such as road width, materials used, and design specifications, a breakdown of the stages of construction, including the start and completion dates for each road.
The group is also asking for the contracts and agreements, funding and financial Details, as well as the monitoring and evaluation reports:
It noted that the provision of the requested information for public scrutiny will help promote transparency, enhance public trust, prevent misinformation, and encourage Responsible Governance:
The FENRAD will activate all necessary and legal provision to ensure compliance, if the government fails to provide the requested information.
