Udenu Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Aka Eze Aka, has revoked the contract for the Ukwu Akpu–Obollo Afor Market Link Road, citing substandard work and failure to meet contractual expectations. The decisive action, taken during a routine inspection of ongoing infrastructural projects, is being hailed by many as a vindication of Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Odo, former Leader of the Udenu Legislative Council, who had earlier raised red flags over the handling of such contracts.
During the inspection tour on August 6, 2025, Chairman Aka expressed deep dissatisfaction with the performance of the contractor, describing the pace and quality of work as “far below expectations.”
“The work done here is far below the expectations of the Council and the people. There is no room for mediocrity in our development agenda,” the visibly displeased Chairman stated. “The contract is hereby revoked and will be re-awarded to a more competent firm with the capacity to deliver quality results promptly.”
He further revealed that the road project, initially scheduled for early completion, suffered repeated delays and technical deficiencies that failed basic integrity tests. The Chairman assured residents that only quality delivery would be tolerated under his administration.
In stark contrast, Aka commended the contractor handling the Ag’ag’ Roundabout reconstruction for adhering to specifications and timelines, noting:
“This is exactly what we envisioned when we awarded this project. Urbanization demands quality aesthetics and functionality. I commend the contractor for doing justice to this monument.”
The Chairman also tasked the Town Engineer, Engr. Valentine Onyishi, with strengthening oversight:
“Inspection should not be ceremonial. You must ensure that every project reflects the value for public funds. The people of Udenu deserve nothing less,” he said.
However, the Chairman’s revocation of the contract has reignited earlier controversies surrounding transparency and accountability within the Council. In a detailed rejoinder issued by Engr. Chekwube Tony Asogwa, Special Assistant to Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Odo (PhD), the revocation was described as a welcome development but one that underscores deeper institutional failures.
“We agree with the Chairman that ndi Udenu deserves better and should not settle for substandard,” the rejoinder stated. “However, the contractor is merely being made the scapegoat instead of the Chairman accepting responsibility for inefficiency in the system under his watch.”
The rejoinder recalled that the Udenu Legislative Council, under the House Committee on Works led by Rt. Hon. Daniel Aroh, had earlier written to the Local Government Town Engineer on February 20, 2025, requesting full documentation on all projects, including the controversial road contract. This, the rejoinder argued, was in line with legislative oversight duties to ensure accountability and transparency.
“If the Local Government Administration in Udenu was not hiding anything, the Council simply would have allowed the Town Engineer to appear before the House Committee,” the statement noted. “Instead, the Executive arm used its powers to intimidate and remove the Leader, Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Odo, suspending him for six months for demanding accountability.”
The statement described Dr. Odo’s suspension as a politically motivated act of silencing dissent, adding that his concerns had now been vindicated by the Chairman’s own actions.
“If the oversight function had been allowed, ndi Udenu would have been saved from the unnecessary public embarrassment and poor-quality projects. The Chairman’s recent move proves that the Leader was right all along.”
The rejoinder also raised fresh questions:
- What are the true specifications and cost details of the Ukwu Akpu–Ozo Ji Road project?
- Is the road 600 meters or 2 kilometers as previously claimed?
- Will the Council now recall and compensate Dr. Odo for his unlawful suspension and denied entitlements?
“While we commend the Chairman for finally acting to save face, we ask: what value has the impeachment and suspension of the Leader added to his administration?” the statement continued. “Obollo Afor ward was denied representation for six months due to petty politics, which does not serve public interest.”
The rejoinder concluded with a call for inclusive governance and greater stakeholder engagement.
“We use this opportunity to call on all stakeholders to participate in the decision-making of the Local Government. We don’t have another place except Udenu — it belongs to all of us.”
As the dust settles, Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Odo’s position appears strengthened, with public discourse now shifting toward long-overdue transparency in local governance. Many observers believe the unfolding events could mark a turning point in how local government projects are monitored, executed, and accounted for in Udenu.
Nnamdi odo is an intelligent guy and can never be intimidated.