Concern Mounts Over Shoddy Progress on Okuku–Okpoma–Mfom Road Project: Citizens Demand Accountability

Yala, Cross River State – June 19, 2025

Fresh concerns have emerged over the ongoing construction of the Okuku–Okpoma–Mfom Road following a recent investigative video update by Mr. Thomas Odey, popularly known as Oga Temple. His footage has cast serious doubts over the quality and pace of the road project, sparking renewed calls for government oversight and transparency.

Mr. Odey’s report appears to corroborate an earlier live-streamed update by Mr. Ohobu David Lifu, who had publicly alleged that construction activities along the road had been halted. Mr. Lifu’s revelation, shared via his official Facebook page, ignited backlash from some political party loyalists who appeared more concerned with image management than with addressing the infrastructural reality on ground.

In the video released by Mr. Odey, evidence suggests that even in areas where work was done, the construction quality was substandard and lacked the structural integrity required for long-term durability. Of particular concern is the Ochochi axis, where work appears to have stalled completely—aligning with Lifu’s earlier report.

In contrast, the Mfom axis shows minimal activity, with a handful of workers attempting to dig drainage gutters. However, the manpower and equipment visible on-site appear grossly inadequate to achieve substantial progress, especially as the region enters the peak of the rainy season—a critical threat to road integrity and public safety.

This emerging situation raises red flags for the Cross River State Government, which had earlier approved the road project in good faith to enhance mobility, boost local commerce, and improve the welfare of Yala residents. The latest developments underscore the urgent need for government agencies and monitoring teams to step in, ensure compliance with engineering standards, and hold contractors accountable.

This report serves not just as a call to action, but as a plea for all well-meaning citizens, stakeholders, and political actors to rise above partisanship and focus on the collective good of Yala. Infrastructure should never become a political pawn. The future and safety of communities rely on the integrity of such projects.

By: Joseph Iyaji
For Akahi News
http://www.akahinews.org