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BENDE, ABIA STATE — Growing frustration over the prolonged neglect of critical road infrastructure in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State has resurfaced, with community spokesperson, Chris Dollas, demanding urgent action on the abandoned Ameke Abam–Umuhu Ezechi and Ozuitem–Umuhu Ezechi–Abariba road corridors.
Dollas, in a strongly worded statement, said residents had for years raised petitions and made repeated appeals for the rehabilitation and completion of the roads, but lamented that little or no progress had been recorded.
He said the affected routes were not merely rural roads but critical economic and social links connecting communities and facilitating movement across Bende, Ohafia and Arochukwu Local Government Areas.
According to him, completing the roads would significantly reduce travel time, improve access to markets, strengthen security and create better opportunities for economic activities in the affected communities.
“We keep hearing that road construction has reached Abariba. But the Ameke Abam–Umuhu Ezechi and Ozuitem–Umuhu Ezechi–Abariba corridors are still abandoned,” Dollas said.
He questioned why the critical road network had remained neglected despite years of political representation, stressing that residents deserved clear explanations from those entrusted with representing their interests.
Dollas argued that effective leadership should be judged by tangible improvements in the lives of citizens rather than political titles or public speeches.
“Leadership is not measured by titles or long speeches. It is measured by roads you can drive on, clinics that work, and communities that are not forgotten,” he said.
He specifically called on the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and representative for Bende Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, to provide answers on the state of the roads and explain efforts being made to address the infrastructure deficit.
“Our people should not have to beg every year for basic infrastructure that affects daily life, trade and safety,” he added.
Turning attention to the 2027 general elections, Dollas said the situation provided an opportunity for residents to critically assess political representation based on performance, accessibility and commitment to grassroots development.
He also cited Dr. Chima Anyaso as a potential alternative, describing him as a figure who had demonstrated compassion, grassroots presence and interest in community development.
“2027 gives us a chance to decide differently. The people of Bende must weigh performance, access and real commitment to development,” he said.
The spokesperson urged residents to demand accountability from political leaders and make decisions based on measurable development outcomes.
“The future of Bende rests with us. Vote wisely. Demand accountability. Choose leadership that will put every community first,” Dollas said.
The renewed call has placed the condition of roads linking several Bende communities at the centre of an emerging debate over infrastructure, political representation and grassroots development ahead of the 2027 elections.
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