By Rukky Odeh

Leaders and stakeholders of Arogbo Kingdom in Ese-Odo Local Government Area have petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over the prolonged abandonment of the Agadagba-Obon to Arogbo bridge project allegedly awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission.

In an open letter addressed to the EFCC Chairman, the community leaders accused the NDDC and contractors connected to the project of abandoning what they described as a critical infrastructure project despite claims that public funds were released for its execution.

The petition, jointly signed by Pharm. Allen S.E and Comrade Kpainko Thaddeus, President of the Arogbo Ijaw Youth Forum, called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abandoned bridge project.

According to the petitioners, the bridge project was approved between 2011 and 2015 and was widely welcomed by residents as a major step toward ending years of isolation, poor infrastructure, and economic hardship in Arogbo Kingdom.

They alleged that the contract was awarded to Picolo Brunelli Engineering Limited, which reportedly commenced preliminary works on the site, including clearing sections of the road corridor and supervising demolition of affected structures, before allegedly abandoning the project without further explanation.

The stakeholders lamented that more than a decade after the project was initiated, residents of the kingdom remain uncertain about its status and the actual utilisation of funds allegedly earmarked for the project.

They further claimed that information available within the public domain suggests that significant public funds may have been released for the bridge construction, yet there has been little or no meaningful progress on site.

Describing the situation as a betrayal of public trust, the petitioners argued that any diversion, mismanagement, or embezzlement of funds meant for the project would amount to a grave injustice against the people of Arogbo Kingdom.

The group therefore urged the EFCC to investigate the NDDC, contractors, government officials, and all individuals linked to the project, insisting that anyone found culpable of corruption, contract inflation, diversion of funds, or abuse of office should be prosecuted in line with the law.

They also expressed concern over what they described as the silence of political leaders and other influential stakeholders on the abandoned project, noting that the failed bridge initiative has become a painful symbol of neglect and unfulfilled promises in the Niger Delta region.

While commending the anti-corruption efforts of the Federal Government and the leadership of the EFCC, the petitioners expressed confidence that the commission would act decisively to uncover the truth behind the abandoned project.

They maintained that the bridge remains essential to the socio-economic wellbeing of Arogbo Kingdom, stressing that its continued abandonment has negatively affected transportation, healthcare delivery, education, commerce, and general development within the riverine community.

The petition has continued to generate reactions among indigenes and residents, many of whom are demanding accountability and urgent government intervention over the alleged abandonment and possible financial irregularities surrounding the project.