“₦77 Billion Project, ₦5 Billion Paid — Why Blame Dickson?”

By Passman Akpos

Fresh controversy has erupted over the Toru–Ebeni Road project in Bayelsa State, as stakeholders and community leaders push back against what they describe as “recycled propaganda” targeting former governor and current senator, Henry Seriake Dickson.

In a statement released by concerned journalists and public observers, claims circulating on social media accusing the senator of wrongdoing in the handling of the project were dismissed as false and politically motivated. The group insisted that the 27-kilometer Toru–Orua, Bolou-Orua, Kabiama, and Ebeni Road project was conceived, designed, and awarded in 2017 during Dickson’s administration as governor of Bayelsa State.

According to the statement, the road was strategically planned to provide an alternative access route for riverine communities in Ekeremor and parts of Sagbama to Yenagoa, reducing dependence on the East-West Road. The project was also said to complement earlier infrastructure achievements, including the Amassoma–Ebeni Bridge commissioned in 2015 by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The contract, awarded to HNG Limited, reportedly saw significant early progress, including land clearing, topsoil removal, and ongoing dredging and sand-filling works. However, work slowed toward the end of Dickson’s tenure in February 2020, a development attributed to Nigeria’s economic downturn at the time.

The statement further noted that in 2023, Governor Douye Diri revalidated the project at a revised cost of ₦77 billion and remobilized contractors to site. Despite this, only about ₦5 billion has reportedly been paid, leaving a large portion of the contract sum outstanding.

Sources familiar with the project said contractors have remained on site under difficult conditions, even as they await further payments. A recent visit to the area confirmed that construction activities are ongoing deep within challenging forest terrain.

Stakeholders also raised concerns about what they described as “orchestrated misinformation,” alleging that certain political actors have been inciting local communities and spreading misleading narratives instead of advocating for increased funding to accelerate the project.

A viral video currently circulating online was described as part of the alleged smear campaign. The statement maintained that the content has been scrutinized and found to be baseless, adding that awarding a contract does not imply personal involvement of a governor as a contractor.

Beyond the immediate controversy, the statement highlighted Dickson’s broader legacy in Bayelsa, citing his administration’s efforts across infrastructure, education, healthcare, and public sector reforms. Among the projects referenced were the Yenagoa–Oporoma Road, the Sagbama–Ekeremor Road, and the Bayelsa International Airport, alongside multiple urban development initiatives in Yenagoa.

The statement concluded with a call on the public to disregard what it termed “fake news” and to rely on verified information regarding the Toru–Ebeni Road project.

The release was signed by Gabriel Ukuta, Coordinator of Ofurumampepe Media.