Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network, CHRAN, in Akwa ibom State has faulted the ongoing construction of residential quarters for the Chairmen of Local Government Areas, describing it as a misplaced priority.

Recall that the Governor Umo Eno, had on Wednesday, 14th January, 2026 flagged-off the construction of official residence for Local Government Chairmen across the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State.

Each residence, according to the governor’s design, would have a meeting hall, boys quarters, security post, and a generator house.

Reacting to the development in a press release issued by its Director and Secretary, Otuekong Franklyn Isong and Christopher Ekpo, respectively, on Wednesday, CHRAN stated that the project does not meet the core developmental needs, yearnings and aspirations of the people of the state at the grassroots.

The Center questioned the rationale for the project, asking how it will impact the lives of the already impoverished masses in the local government areas of Akwa Ibom State.

CHRAN also expressed reservations that important information on the financial and cost implications of the project are wrapped in secrecy, urging the Akwa Ibom State Government to be transparent and accountable in the handling of public revenue.

The Center also urged the state government to specify the source of funding for the project and the government responsible for the funding and execution of the project, whether it is the state or local government?

It further urged the state government to publish the cost and appropriation for the project in each of the local government areas and the project completion time frame.

“The Center is perturbed by the rationale advanced by the Akwa Ibom State Government for the project, piqued that in the face of abject poverty and economic hardship in the State, especially at the grassroots, the Government could decide to embark on the unsolicited residential project, which is a white elephant,” the statement concluded.