Bende Deserves Better: The Cry of A People Betrayed by Failed Projects. 

Bende Federal Constituency, now stands as a haunting symbol of neglect, deception, and deepening infrastructural decay. For a constituency which boast to being represented by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative, a man who has touted himself as the most powerful leader in South East and a constituency that has consistently received significant budgetary appropriation, the reality on ground tells a troubling story — one of unfulfilled promises, collapsing projects, and the pain of a people forgotten in the midst of abundance.

The Constituency though hooked to the centre, reeks of neglect, abandoned projects, heavy funded though poorly executed project.

One special mention is reconstruction of the Umuimenyi Nkpa Road and Bridge — a development initiative that once ignited hope in the community. Approved in 2021 by the Ecological Project Office at a staggering value of ₦1.3 billion, the project was designed to reconstruct the 11.3km road, complete with bridges and culverts.

But what do we have today? A stretch barely 6km long, already collapsing before completion, bridges showing visible cracks, culverts crumbling, and sections of the road completely cut off by erosion.

This road, expected to seal the prayers of the community rather became a corridor of frustration — a daily reminder of how public trust is being squandered. The community cried out, seeking to know why the contractor delivered a 6.3km road with 1 bridge and 2 culvert, rather than 11.3km as awarded.

And just when the people thought lessons had been learned, another ₦1 billion surfaced in the 2025 federal budget, earmarked again for the “repair and reconstruction” of the same failed road and bridge. Yet, on the ground, not a shovel has been lifted, not a worker seen — only a billboard erected to announce “ongoing works.”

In total, over ₦2.3 billion has been appropriated for this single project between 2021 and 2025, under the watch of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu and still, the Nkpa road lies in utter ruin and total collapse. This grim irony cuts deep into the heart of the Nkpa community and Bende’s people, who can no longer stay silent as roads disintegrate and communities remain stranded. The toll is not just infrastructural — it is human.

So this brings to question, how these funds appropriated were handled? Who is responsible for ensuring these projects are executed as designed? Who monitors the use of these funds? Who audits these contracts to guarantee that what was approved is what is delivered? Is this a clear case of embezzlement of public funds? Why is a man who is visibly clamouring for accountability and transparency in the state, dumb to this height of misappropriation in his own home? Is this what he has in store for ndi Abia, as he clamours for a change in government? These are not political questions — they are moral ones. And the people of Bende deserve honest answers.

What we face today is not simply a case of poor execution; it is a breakdown of trust. When billions are spent on paper while communities sink in mud, governance loses meaning. When promises of progress translate to abandoned sites and empty signboards, accountability must be demanded — loudly, fearlessly, and persistently.

Bende cannot continue to be the silent casualty of fraudulent projects and misplaced priorities. The time has come for a full-scale audit of all federally funded projects in the constituency. The people have a right to know where their money went — and why they are still living with the consequences of failed execution.

Our roads should not collapse under the weight of deceit. Our bridges should not crumble with every rainfall. And our communities should not suffer because integrity has been compromised.

This is a call to conscience — to every agency, oversight body, and representative involved. The people of Bende are watching. History, too, is watching.

Bende deserves better — not tomorrow, but now.