Residents of Bende Local Government Area in Abia State were on Sunday, March 22, 2026, hosted to a high-profile gathering tagged “Light Up Bende,” organised by Hon. Iheanyi Frank Chinasa, also known as Dogo.
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The event, which attracted significant attention, has since generated controversy, with critics questioning both its substance and the ownership of the projects showcased.
Hon. Chinasa, who serves as the Abia State Government’s Liaison Officer in Abuja and is a prominent figure in the Labour Party (LP), presented the initiative as a major step toward improving infrastructure in the area. However, inquiries reveal that the core project highlighted at the event—solar street lighting installations—was executed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), a federal agency.
Observers have raised concerns over what they describe as the politicization of federally funded projects. They argue that presenting an NDDC initiative under a partisan banner could mislead the public regarding the true source of the development.
The situation has also stirred political debate, particularly around the role of party affiliation in project commissioning. Some critics question why a Labour Party chieftain would take the lead in showcasing a project executed by a federal agency under an administration led by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Supporters of the event, however, maintain that facilitating or drawing attention to development projects—regardless of their source—should not be dismissed, especially if it benefits local communities.
As the debate continues, residents say the priority remains sustainable development and transparency in governance. Many insist that beyond ceremonies and branding, what matters most is the delivery of tangible and lasting infrastructure that improves daily life in Bende.
