Onuigbo Slams Barr. Ubani Over “False” Claims on Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road Project
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Sir Sam Onuigbo, has faulted a recent petition by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Barr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, accusing him of peddling misleading information about the state of the Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene Road project.
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Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja, Onuigbo described Ubani’s April 7 petition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “spurious,” “erroneous,” and “deliberately crafted to stoke public disaffection.”
Source: Twitter
“The claims in the so-called petition are erroneous, and deliberately created to stoke public disaffection and misrepresent the actual state of affairs,” Onuigbo said.
Project Is Ongoing, Not Abandoned — Onuigbo
Contrary to Ubani’s claim that the road project had been abandoned, Onuigbo asserted that major sections of the road are under active construction.
He provided updates on completed and ongoing work on the road since June 2023.
“From June 2023, 8.42 km of the terribly-failed sections has been completed, and 4.47 km of concrete work and drains achieved. Between January and March 2025 alone, 3.22 km of wearing course and 1.53 km of drains were also completed.”
He also noted that on February 3, 2025, the Federal Executive Council approved an augmentation of ₦14.37 billion to ensure continuity of the project.
Ubani’s Claims Called “Exaggerated” and “Mischievous”
Describing Ubani’s reference to the road as a “death trap” and “nearly impassable” as an exaggeration, Onuigbo said it is unfortunate that a senior lawyer would engage in such distortions.
“To describe this vital artery as ‘a death trap’ is not just an exaggeration, but a calculated distortion designed to provoke undue alarm.”
He further recalled that Ubani had made similar claims in 2021 and 2023, which also turned out to be false.
Political Motives Questioned
Onuigbo questioned the motive behind Ubani’s recurring interest in the project, hinting at political double-dealings given his alleged affiliations with both the Labour Party in Abia and the APC-led Federal Government.
“Instead of resorting to cheap blackmail, Ubani should remember that as a lawyer, facts and truth should guide his public communications.”
He continued: “It beggars belief that such a senior lawyer could draw stipends from the APC-controlled government and make bold efforts to de-market the party at home to score cheap political points.”
Renewed Hope Agenda Still on Course
Reassuring the public, Onuigbo affirmed that the contractor, Hartland Construction Company, is still on-site and working, despite environmental and funding challenges.
“To insinuate that the project has been abandoned is not only disingenuous but portrays a troubling disregard for verifiable facts.”
He commended President Tinubu and the Federal Government for continuing the funding of the road which connects several South-South and Southeast states and extends toward the Cameroonian border.
Final Word to Mr. President
Onuigbo urged President Tinubu to see Ubani’s petition for what it is — a distraction lacking substance.
“We trust Your Excellency’s discernment in recognising this petition as an exercise in sensationalism rather than a sincere public interest communication.”
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Source: Legit.ng
