To the Editor,
The recent event at the yam festival in Ikwo LGA, where an uncompleted “ultra-modern civic centre” was commissioned, is more than just a local scandal—it’s a symptom of a larger, systemic problem plaguing Nigeria. The act of parading an unfinished project as a completed achievement, represented by the Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Obila, is a disservice not only to the people of Ikwo but to every Nigerian citizen who expects honest governance.
This incident has rightly sparked outrage, with the Ikwo local government chairman, Hon. Barr. Sunday Basil Nwankwo, being compared to “Governor Amuneke,” a fictional character representing politicians who make empty promises. This social media meme resonates because it reflects a frustrating reality across our nation: a culture of political deception where public image and media fanfare are often prioritized over tangible, impactful development.
While the chairman has reportedly expressed regret and pledged to accelerate the project’s completion, such apologies, though noted, are not enough. The people of Ikwo, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve leaders who are committed to transparency and accountability. We need to move beyond a system where public officials can get away with misleading the populace and where the burden of holding them accountable often falls on the public.
This incident should serve as a wake-up call. We must demand a new standard of governance where projects are completed before they are celebrated, and where leaders are held to their promises. This isn’t just about a building in Ikwo; it’s about restoring faith in our political institutions and ensuring that every public project serves the people it was meant to benefit.
Sincerely,
Paul Nkwuda
Agubia
Ikwo LGA, Ebonyi State