By Passman Akpos
Patani, Delta State — A heated debate has erupted across Patani Local Government Area following a circulating public statement listing constituency projects allegedly influenced by Rt. Hon. Nicholas Ebomo Mutu and awarded to various community leaders over the years.
The publication, shared widely on local platforms, highlighted 13 roads, solar installations, market improvements, and grid-connection works reportedly facilitated by Hon. Mutu, who has represented the Bomadi–Patani Federal Constituency for nearly three decades. According to the document, several projects—including the Patani Federated Community Marine Road, Toru-Angiama concrete road, Ekise’s Ekiyor Road, and multiple solar and water installations—are completed, while others such as the Bulu-Angiama road, Ametebe road and Agoloma grid connection remain subjects of public questions.
The statement further accused certain contractors—now political aspirants—of benefitting from Hon. Mutu’s influence in the past while allegedly claiming that he has “done nothing” to merit re-election into office. The authors argued that many of these individuals completed or abandoned projects funded through Mutu’s facilitation but are now campaigning against him.
Supporters of the federal lawmaker described him as a “gentle giant who talks less and does more,” insisting that the community has benefitted from his representation and that he deserves “one more term for more dividends to the Bomadi–Patani constituency in 2027.”
Opposition Voices Demand Change
However, the publication ignited a wave of strong reactions from residents who argued that the listed projects are too few for Mutu’s 28 years in office, including 12 years as House Committee Chairman on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Critics say the long-serving legislator has overseen a tenure marked by “unfulfilled expectations, uneven development priorities, and empowerment concentrated in the hands of a few wealthy contractors.”
Many questioned the status of key projects such as the Ametebe road, Agoloma road, and community electricity and secretariat projects, demanding transparency on contractors, funds, and completion timelines.
Several residents argued that while a handful of individuals may have been empowered through contracts, the wider constituency continues to grapple with poverty, poor infrastructure, and stagnant development.
One resident stated that empowering only the elite creates deeper inequalities: “If Mutu’s agenda was to make the few rich people richer while the poor remain poorer, nobody would have voted for him.”
Others insisted that after nearly three decades in office, it is “time for another person to try,” adding that Mutu’s project list is too thin compared to what many new lawmakers across Nigeria achieve within their first or second terms.
Calls for Accountability and Peaceful Political Engagement
Despite the tension, some voices appealed for calm and constructive dialogue. They argued that while disagreements over performance are valid, debate should remain civil and focused on facts rather than personal attacks.
The public continues to await responses from the listed contractors and political stakeholders. Residents have also called for independent verification of the project list, completion status, and costs, insisting that transparency is essential ahead of the 2027 elections.
As the political climate intensifies, one thing is clear: Patani LGA is entering a defining period, with demands for accountability, leadership renewal, and inclusive development taking center stage in the road to 2027.
