INC calls on govt to revive stalled East-West road

The Ijaw National Congress calls for the speedy revitalization and completion of the long-abandoned East-West Road.

It bemoaned the fact that this essential infrastructure, a lifeline connecting major states, has been allowed to languish for years.

This critical road network connects to essential national infrastructure, such as the Onne port, Port Harcourt Refinery, and Indorama Eleme Petrochemical Ltd.

Recall that former agitators in the Niger Delta region had also threatened a massive protest over the deplorable state of the road.

In a statement by Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, its National Publicity Secretary, the organisation expressed its deep concern over the abandonment of the East-West Road.

The group also called for the completion of several other abandoned roads, including those in Sampou, Odoni, Agbere, Abuetor, Osifo, Osekwenike, Asamabiri, Ekperiwari, and Elemebiri.

It stated, “The road is presently impassable which has caused severe hardship to the Niger Delta people, particularly the Ijaw people who dominate in population in the region.

“The INC calls on the federal government for the immediate transfer of the road completion under the purview of the NDDC and the release of funds to the NDDC for prompt completion of the road.

It also stated, “While we refrain from using threats, the INC warns that if immediate measures are not taken to complete the East-West road, its body may mobilise other related organisations and concerned bodies to stop vehicular movement on the road.”