The Ebonyi State Government, through the Ministry of Works, has cautioned residents, journalists and social media users against drawing conclusions about ongoing road projects based on isolated photographs and videos circulating online without proper context or verification.
In a statement signed by the Head of Public Relations, Onwe Onwe, the ministry expressed concern over what it described as misleading images and narratives aimed at discrediting the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru and its infrastructure development efforts.
The ministry said while the state welcomes constructive criticism, public scrutiny and accountability, information about government projects should be based on facts and verified details.
According to the statement, some social media users had mistakenly or deliberately presented private community roads and mini-road projects as official state government projects.
The ministry also clarified that some of the images and videos being circulated were reportedly taken before contractors and government engineers had fully mobilised to the affected project sites.
It explained that road construction involves several technical stages, including mobilisation, heavy earthworks, drainage construction and soil stabilisation, before the final stage of asphalt laying.
The ministry warned that presenting roads at their early stages or before full mobilisation as completed or abandoned projects could create a misleading impression about the quality and progress of the work.
Defending the state’s infrastructure team, the ministry commended the Commissioner for Works, Stanley Mbam, for what it described as rigorous and professional oversight of projects across the state.
It further stated that Governor Francis Nwifuru had consistently directed that public projects be executed by competent professionals and in line with approved engineering standards, with emphasis on structural integrity, durability and long-term value.
The ministry urged residents, journalists, bloggers and content creators to verify project information with relevant state authorities before publishing or sharing materials online.
It also reminded social media users to be mindful of existing cybersecurity laws governing the dissemination of unverified or manipulated digital content.
The ministry reiterated that responsible information dissemination is essential to promoting transparency, public accountability and meaningful citizen participation in Ebonyi State’s development.
