Jonathan Jibrin
The recent announcement by the Federal Government approving 27 major road projects worth over ₦3.9 trillion across 15 states has once again brought to the fore the painful reality of the continued neglect of Kogi East (Igala/Bassa land).
While other parts of the country rightly celebrate the rehabilitation and construction of critical federal roads, the people of Kogi East have been left with nothing but broken promises, abandoned projects, and roads that have become symbols of government neglect.
The Ayangba–Dekina–Shintaku Federal Road has deteriorated to an unbearable condition. The Otuocha–Ibaji–Idah Road, which serves thousands of our riverine communities, remains largely impassable. The strategic Itobe–Ayangba–Ankpa–Otukpa Federal Road continues to endanger lives and cripple economic activities. The Aloma–Akpanya–Enugu-Ezike Road, once awarded for construction, has been abandoned without explanation.
These roads are not mere strips of asphalt. They are lifelines for commerce, agriculture, education, healthcare, and the movement of our people. Their neglect has inflicted untold hardship on families, farmers, traders, students, and businesses throughout Kogi East.
It is therefore difficult to understand why, in a massive national infrastructure programme running into trillions of naira, Kogi East was once again overlooked. Such exclusion raises legitimate concerns about fairness, equity, and the place of our people in the national development agenda.
The Igala people are not asking for favours. We are demanding fairness. We are demanding that our constitutional right to equitable development be respected. We are demanding that our taxes, our votes, and our contributions to national development be matched by visible federal presence.
As the 2027 general elections draw nearer, politicians will undoubtedly return to our communities seeking support. They will make fresh promises and appeal for our votes. This time, however, the people of Kogi East must remember that democracy is built on accountability.
Our votes are valuable. They should never be given away on the strength of rhetoric, empty promises, or political sentiment. Every candidate and every political party seeking our mandate must clearly state what concrete plans they have for addressing the long-standing infrastructure deficit in Kogi East. Performance, commitment, and measurable development must become the basis upon which our people make political choices.
We therefore call on all elected representatives from Kogi East, political office holders, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations, women groups, and every patriotic son and daughter of Igala land to unite in demanding immediate federal attention to our critical road infrastructure.
Our demand is simple and just: Let the Federal Government remember us by reviewing the disbursement of infacstrucural funds to include at least one of these projects mentioned.
The era of silence must end. The era of accepting neglect as our destiny must come to an end. We must speak with one voice through lawful democratic engagement; not as a divided people, but as a united nation within Nigeria seeking justice and equal treatment.
The Igala people have waite.
Our patience should never be mistaken for weakness.
Our loyalty should never be rewarded with neglect.
Kogi East deserves better. Igala land deservetter. The time for justice is now.
