Juliana Francis
The Executive Director of the Foundation for Environmental Right Advocacy and Development(FENRAD), Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor has sent a Freedom of Information Request to the Executive the Executive Governor of Abia, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, through the Commissioner of Works Engineer Otumchere Oti, requesting Documentation of 108 Roads Constructed by Governor Alex Otti’s Administration.
According to the request, the claims of Governor Alex Otti’s administration in Abia State regarding the construction of 108 roads have stirred significant public concern and scepticism.
It further states that the governor’s promises and declarations are increasingly being called into question, particularly regarding his administration’s infrastructure achievements.
The absence of tangible evidence to support these claims has prompted a demand for transparency and accountability.
The FoI reads in part: “To address these concerns, it is essential to formally request detailed information from the Abia State Government concerning these road construction projects.
“A Freedom of Information (FOI) request is an effective tool to ensure that the government provides the public with accurate and verifiable data. As a civil society organization committed to good governance, FENRAD has a responsibility to pursue this information in the interest of public accountability.”
It explained that the FOI Request aims to obtain detailed and verifiable information regarding the 108 roads Governor Alex Otti claims to have constructed.
This 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 includes,
- Detailed List of Roads Constructed:
- A comprehensive list of the 108 roads, including the names, locations, and specifications of each road.
- The total length of each road in kilometres, 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.
- Contracts and Agreements:
- Copies of contracts, agreements, and any related documentation about these road construction projects.
- Information on the contractors who were awarded these projects, including their qualifications, experience, and selection criteria.
- Details of the tendering and bidding processes to ensure that the projects were awarded through transparent and competitive procedures.
- Funding and Financial Details:
- A breakdown of the funding sources for each road construction project, including state budgets, loans, grants, or other financial instruments.
- Documentation of the allocation and disbursement of funds for each project, ensuring that there is no mismanagement or misappropriation of public funds.
- Monitoring and Evaluation Reports:
- Copies of any monitoring and evaluation reports or assessments conducted by relevant state agencies or independent bodies regarding the progress and quality of the road projects.
- Evidence of the impact of these roads on local communities, including improvements in transportation, economic activities, and general welfare.
- Other Relevant Documentation:
- Any additional documents that provide further evidence of the construction and completion of these roads, such as photographs, site visit reports, or testimonies from residents.
Nwafor, who signed the FOI Request, said that it was crucial for several reasons, including,
- Promoting Transparency:
The request ensures that the government operates transparently, allowing the public to verify the governor’s claims and hold the administration accountable for its promises
- Enhancing Public Trust:
By providing verifiable information, the government can build public trust and confidence in its infrastructure development initiatives.
- Preventing Misinformation:
The release of accurate data prevents the spread of misinformation and enables informed public discourse on the state’s development projects.
- Encouraging Responsible Governance:
Holding the government accountable through such requests encourages responsible governance and discourages the misuse of public resources.
He added: “Upon submission of the FOI request, the Abia State Government is legally obligated to respond within the time frame specified by the Freedom of Information Act.
“If the government fails to provide the requested information or if the response is unsatisfactory, FENRAD can escalate the issue by publicizing the lack of transparency and engaging with relevant oversight bodies.
“In conclusion, this FOI request represents a critical step in ensuring that the people of Abia State are provided with accurate and reliable information regarding the administration’s infrastructure achievements. It is a call for transparency, accountability, and responsible governance, which are essential for the state’s progress and development.”
