By Patrick Titus, Uyo
The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has faulted the ongoing construction of residential quarters for the Chairmen of Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State, saying the financial and cost implications of the project are wrapped in secrecy.
The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, had on January 24, 2026 flagged-off the construction of official residence for Local Government Chairmen across the 31 Local Government Areas of the State.
According to sources from the State’s Ministry of Information and Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the features of each of the project include Meeting Hall, Boys Quarters, Security Post, and Generator House.
CHRAN, in a statement on Wednesday, signed by its Director, Otuekong Franklyn Isong and Secretary, Christopher Ekpo, Esq. urged the state government to be transparent and accountable in the handling of public revenue.
The Center urged the state government to specify the source of funding for the project as well as state the government that is responsible for the funding and execution of the project, whether it is the state or local government?
CHRAN also urged the government of the state to publish the cost and appropriation for the project in each of the local government areas and the project completion time frame.
The statement also described the project as misplaced priority, noting that it does not meet the core developmental needs, yearnings and aspirations of the people of the state at the grassroots level.
It questioned the rationale for the project, asking “how it will impact the lives of the already impoverished masses in the local government areas of the state.
“The Center is perturbed by the rationale advanced by the state government for the project, piqued that in the face of abject poverty and economic hardship in Akwa Ibom, especially at the grassroots, the government could decide to embark on the unsolicited residential project, which the CHRAN described as white elephant.”
CHRAN is one of the forefront human rights organizations in Nigeria, committed to promoting good governance and the rule of law.
