KOGI EAST ARTERIES OF PAIN

 JONATHAN JIBRIN argues for federal intervention in road infrastructure

The recent approval by the federal government of 27 major road projects worth over ₦3.9 trillion across 15 states has once again exposed the painful reality of the continued neglect of Kogi East (Igala/Bassa land).

While many parts of the country are celebrating the rehabilitation and construction of critical federal roads, the people of Kogi East have once again been left with nothing but broken promises, abandoned projects, and highways that have become enduring symbols of government neglect.

The Ayangba–Dekina–Shintaku federal road has deteriorated to a deplorable state. The Otuocha–Ibaji–Idah Road, which serves thousands of people in our riverine communities, remains largely impassable. The strategic Itobe–Ayangba–Ankpa–Otukpa federal road continues to claim lives, damage vehicles, and stifle economic activities. The Aloma–Akpanya–Enugu-Ezike Road, despite being awarded for construction, has been abandoned without explanation. The Idah–Nsukka Road has also become a death trap after years of neglect.

These roads are far more than stretches of asphalt. They are the arteries that sustain commerce, agriculture, education, healthcare, and the movement of people and goods. Their poor condition has imposed enormous hardship on farmers, traders, students, transporters, businesses, and countless families across Kogi East.

It is therefore difficult to understand why, in a national infrastructure programme running into trillions of naira, Kogi East was once again left out. Such exclusion raises legitimate questions about fairness, equity, and the place of our people in Nigeria’s development agenda.

The people of Kogi East are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for fairness. We are demanding that the constitutional principle of equitable development be upheld. We are demanding that our contributions to national development—through our taxes, our votes, and our unwavering commitment to the Nigerian project—be reflected in visible federal investment in our region.

As the 2027 general elections approach, political leaders will once again visit our communities seeking support. They will make fresh promises and ask for our votes. This time, however, the people of Kogi East must remember that democracy is sustained by accountability.

Our votes are valuable. They must never again be exchanged for empty rhetoric, political sentiment, or promises that disappear after elections. Every candidate and every political party seeking the mandate of our people should clearly state their plans for addressing the decades-long infrastructure deficit in Kogi East. Commitment must be demonstrated through concrete policies, measurable actions, and verifiable results.

We therefore call on all elected representatives from Kogi East, political office holders, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations, women’s groups, and every patriotic son and daughter of Igala land to unite in demanding immediate federal intervention in our road infrastructure.

Our appeal is simple, reasonable, and just: the federal government should review the allocation of infrastructure funds and ensure that at least one of these critical road projects is included for immediate execution. Kogi East deserves to benefit from the same national development efforts being extended to other parts of the country.

The era of silence must come to an end. The era of accepting neglect as our destiny must also end. We must speak with one voice—not through division or hostility, but through lawful, peaceful, and democratic engagement. United in purpose, we must continue to demand justice, fairness, and equal treatment within the Nigerian federation.

The Igala people have waited long enough.

Our patience should never be mistaken for weakness. Our loyalty should never be rewarded with neglect.

Kogi East deserves better.

 Jibrin writes from Abuja