Abia Community Demands Location of N348 Million Garri Plant Amid Controversy

Residents of Umuhu Ezechi community in Abia State, Nigeria, are demanding clarity on the location of a N348 million Federal Government-funded garri processing plant, casting doubt on its existence within their area. The community leaders question claims that the project has been completed and is awaiting commissioning.

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Where is the ₦348,129,596.34 garri processing plant reportedly executed in our community?

Emenike Stanley, a village leader representing the community, stated that residents have been unable to identify the facility despite assertions from supporters of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu. The community's skepticism grew after a press statement from the Deputy Speaker's office dismissed a report on federal projects in Bende as "false and misleading."

"Where is the ₦348,129,596.34 garri processing plant reportedly executed in our community?" Stanley queried, challenging officials to publicly disclose the plant's location for verification. He insisted that Umuhu Ezechi was the intended site for the project.

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If the project had indeed been completed as claimed, it should not be difficult for officials or promoters to provide its exact location. If that is indeed the case, then this should be the easiest question to answer. Where is the facility located?

However, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief of Staff to the Deputy Speaker, clarified that the plant is situated at "Bende Bypass" in Bende Town, distinct from Umuhu Ezechi. Nwabughiogu explained that while the project was allocated in the federal budget for the South-East, it was attracted to Bende Town by the Deputy Speaker. He confirmed that the physical structures are in place, and the installation of equipment is expected to be completed by the weekend.

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The physical structures are there, and what remained was the installation of the equipment, which would be completed by the weekend.