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Concerns have been raised by stakeholders and community leaders over what they describe as renewed misinformation targeting former Bayelsa State governor, Henry Seriake Dickson, in relation to the Toru–Ebeni Road project.
A group of journalists and public observers said their independent review indicates that the Toru-Orua, Bolou-Orua, Kabiama and Ebeni road project was conceived, designed and awarded in 2017 during Dickson’s administration.
Ejes Gist News reports that the project spans approximately 27 kilometres and was planned to provide an alternative access route linking communities in Ekeremor and parts of Sagbama to Yenagoa, reducing reliance on the East–West Road corridor.
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The project formed part of a broader infrastructure drive that included the Amassoma–Ebeni Bridge, commissioned in 2015 by former President Goodluck Jonathan, and described at the time as one of the longest state bridges in Bayelsa.
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According to the findings cited by the stakeholders, the contract was awarded to HNG Limited, with initial work covering land clearing, topsoil removal up to Ebeni, as well as sand filling and dredging. However, project momentum slowed toward the end of the administration in early 2020, amid wider economic constraints.
In 2023, Governor Douye Diri approved a revalidation of the project valued at ₦77 billion and directed contractors to return to site. Sources familiar with the project stated that approximately ₦5 billion has been paid so far, leaving a substantial outstanding balance.
Despite funding limitations, contractors are said to have remained on site, continuing work under challenging terrain conditions. Observers noted that the project has also been the subject of public debate, with claims and counterclaims circulating on social media regarding its origin and implementation.
Stakeholders further stated that a widely circulated video alleging irregularities has been reviewed and found to lack substantiated evidence. They emphasised that the award of a contract does not equate to personal execution by a public office holder, describing such interpretations as misleading.
The discussion has drawn renewed attention to infrastructure projects initiated during Dickson’s tenure, particularly in transport connectivity across Bayelsa’s riverine terrain. These include the Tombia–Amassoma road network, the Yenagoa–Oporoma Road later extended by subsequent administrations, and the Sagbama–Ekeremor Road, which has been in use since 2015.
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Additional projects referenced by stakeholders include the Bayelsa International Airport, the development of a new Yenagoa city layout, and construction of administrative buildings within the state capital. They also cited financial contributions toward the Nembe–Brass Road project, executed in collaboration with federal and regional agencies.
Stakeholders maintained that the Toru–Ebeni Road remains a multi-phase infrastructure project spanning different administrations, with ongoing work dependent on sustained funding and policy continuity.
A recent visit to the project corridor, according to those involved in the review, confirmed that contractors are still operating within the project area, despite logistical and financial challenges.
They urged the public to rely on verified information and official updates regarding the status of the Ebeni Road project, noting that investigations and project monitoring continue through relevant government channels.
The statement was signed by Gabriel Ukuta, Coordinator of Ofuruma-Pepe Media.
