“Show Us the Roads, Lights and Jetties! Constituents Challenge Konbowei’s Scorecard”

By Passman Akpos

There was a mix of commendation and tough expectations over the weekend as the senator representing Bayelsa Central, Konbowei Benson, met with political stakeholders across Southern Ijaw, Yenagoa, and Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Areas.

While the engagements were aimed at strengthening grassroots ties and showcasing his stewardship, constituents and stakeholders openly challenged the senator to “show the roads, lights, and jetties” as proof of performance, insisting that more visible impact must match political promises.

The meetings brought together community leaders and political actors from the three local government areas that make up the senatorial district, in what was described as both a performance review and a renewed consultation drive.

Addressing the gatherings, Benson reaffirmed his commitment to constituency engagement, stressing that regular interaction remains central to accountability and representation in the Nigerian Senate. He noted that despite what he described as multiple legal distractions since taking office, his focus remains on legislative work and delivering democratic dividends.

The senator outlined key legislative interventions, including a motion seeking urgent federal government response to the gas explosion in Obunagha, and a bill proposing the establishment of a Federal University of Science and Technology in Korokorosei.

On constituency projects, he listed the installation of solar-powered streetlights across more than 30 communities, including Ekowe, Ogboinbiri, Amatolo, Swali, Okutukutu, Kaiama, and Opokuma. He also highlighted free medical outreach programmes and skills acquisition initiatives aimed at youth and women empowerment.

Benson further cited infrastructure interventions such as concrete roads in Okutukutu, Kaiama, Agudama, Olugbobiri, and Otuan. He said the renovation of the Okaka-Ekeki Health Centre and the construction of a landing jetty at Kokologbene have been completed, while a new road project in Koluama-2 is set to commence alongside other planned developments.

He appealed for continued patience and support from constituents, insisting that sustained cooperation would attract more projects and federal attention to the district.

However, stakeholder responses reflected a more demanding tone. Community leaders, including Nimibofa Ayawei, Israel Igbori, and Isaac Kumokou, acknowledged the senator’s efforts but urged him to intensify pressure on federal authorities to deliver more tangible development.

They stressed that while interventions were noted, constituents were increasingly focused on visible infrastructure—roads, stable electricity, and functional jetties—as key indicators of representation.

Also present at the meetings were federal lawmakers Ebikebina Rodney Ambaiowei and Oforji Oboku, who represent constituencies within Bayelsa Central, alongside other political stakeholders.

The engagements ended with renewed calls for accountability, as constituents insisted that future scorecards must be measured not just by promises and motions, but by what is physically seen and felt across communities.