From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Residents of Idah have called on the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and his deputy, Salifu Joel Oyibo, to intervene in the deplorable state of Idah township roads.
The residents lamented that the contractor handling the project has virtually abandoned the site, leaving them to face untold hardship and increased danger.
According to a petition signed by an Idah-based group, the Ane-Igala Socio-Cultural Development Association (AISCDA), led by Chief Akwu Umar Goodman, “The people of Idah wish to bring to your urgent attention the deeply unsatisfactory state of the ongoing Idah Township Road Construction Project.”
The group described the situation as both disheartening and unacceptable, alleging that the contractor handling the project has demonstrated gross incompetence and abandoned the site.
“Even more troubling are credible concerns that some engineers and technical officers assigned to supervise the work have compromised standards and deviated from approved specifications.
“A project that was awarded nearly a year ago has, sadly, remained in the same state as when the governor flagged it off in July last year. There is little to show for the time, resources, and taxpayers’ money invested so far.
“This situation is not only disappointing but also a disservice to the people of Idah and Kogi State at large,” the petition stated.
The petitioners said they could no longer stand by and watch what they described as inefficiency and neglect, urging the state government to immediately terminate the contract due to non-performance.
They also demanded that the contractor be compelled to resume work immediately or that the contract be re-awarded to a more competent contractor with a proven track record.
In addition, the group called for the deployment of an independent team of engineers to verify the claims and assess the current state of the project.
The petition further urged the Deputy Governor, being an indigene of the constituency, to take a more active supervisory role in ensuring that the project is delivered efficiently and to standard.
The group noted that, given Idah’s status as the seat of the revered Ata Igala, development projects in the area should reflect dignity, quality, and timely execution.
“We trust in your leadership, Your Excellency, to take swift and decisive action to address this matter in the interest of the people,” the petition added.
