Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie, says he will not commission the newly constructed 5.5-kilometre Ozuitem–Uzuakoli road in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State until a failed section of about 10 metres is fully repaired.
His Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, said his boss issued the directive following his inspection of the road project on Tuesday.
He spoke after commissioning the 5-kilometre Alayi–Ugwueke–Akaeze road, a major inter-state link connecting Bende Local Government Area of Abia State to Akaeze in Ebonyi State.
The project is among several infrastructure interventions facilitated by the Deputy Speaker, who represents Bende Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.
He noted that the Alayi–Ugwueke–Akaeze road would significantly boost inter-state connectivity between the South-East and South-South regions, while also promoting trade, commerce, and socio-economic activities among the people.
Commenting on the Ozuitem–Uzuakoli road, Kalu explained that the road is receiving its first-ever asphalt overlay since it was originally constructed in 1981 during the administration of the late Sam Mbakwe in the defunct Imo State. He stressed that the project would not be inaugurated until all identified defects are properly addressed.
He directed the contractors handling the project to immediately return to site and fix the failed portions to ensure durability and safety for road users.
He confirmed that the affected section has already been excavated and is awaiting rehabilitation using stone base, cement pavement, and asphalt.
“Some of you who have followed my political journey know that my approach to politics is different. We practice politics with the fear of God, because it is God who places us in leadership positions,” Kalu said. “For me, it is about leadership and delivering on promises.
When we assured our people that we would construct the Ugwueke–Akaeze road, many doubted it. Today, I am glad that it has become a reality.”
He added: “We have executed several road projects in Uzuakoli and Ozuitem, but there is one particular 5.5-kilometre road linking both communities which I personally drove through and noticed that some portions require special attention. I am therefore calling on the contractors to immediately go back and fix those sections.
I will not commission that road until the repairs are completed.”
He further clarified that the road currently circulating on social media is still under construction and has not been commissioned.
“I want to inform the people of Bende and Nigerians at large that the Ozuitem–Uzuakoli road has not been commissioned. When issues arise during construction, contractors are expected to return and fix them,” he said.
“I am directing the contractors to repair the failed section, which is about 10 to 20 metres of the entire 5.5 kilometres. It is important to state that this road had not been touched for over two decades.
There was no direct connection between Ozuitem and Uzuakoli through Elugwumba community until we made it one of our campaign promises. The APC promised to fix the road, and with the support of Mr. President, we have delivered. However, those failed sections must be properly fixed before commissioning,” the Deputy Speaker stated.
