Civil rights group requests disclosure of Edo bridge construction agreements under Freedom of Information laws

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The Coalition of Registered Political Parties has invoked the Freedom of Information Act, demanding full disclosure from the Edo State Government on the cost, timeline, procurement process, and financial arrangements for ongoing flyover projects in Benin City.

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The demand was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the coalition’s 2nd General Meeting held on May 2, 2026, in Edo State.

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The communiqué, signed by CRPP National Chairman Samson Isibor, was made available to PUNCH Online on Tuesday.

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The group specifically requested details on the Ramat Park flyover, including the contract sum, completion timeline, and the role of financial institutions, particularly First Bank, in the execution of the project.

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It also demanded information on when and where the contracts were advertised, as well as the companies that participated in the bidding process.

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“The people of Edo State deserve to know the full details of these projects, as they are being funded with public resources.

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“We also demand to know when and where the contracts were advertised, the firms that took part in the bidding and we will like to know the involvement of financial institutions especially First Bank,” the group said.

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While acknowledging the construction of two flyover bridges in Benin City as a positive development, the CRPP expressed concern over what it described as a lack of transparency and accountability in the execution process.

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The coalition also said it plans to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over the projects, citing public interest concerns.

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It further criticised the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo, stating that while some efforts have been made, overall performance has fallen short of expectations.

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The group, however, commended residents of the state for their resilience amid economic hardship and insecurity, particularly in parts of Edo Central, including Ekpoma.

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