The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) in Anambra State has made a passionate appeal to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Minister of Works, Engr. Davi Umahi, and the Federal Emergency Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to declare a state of emergency on the deteriorating Nsugbe-Umueri-Aguleri Federal roads in Anambra State.
Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, the Chairman of CLO in Anambra State, reiterated this appeal during a comprehensive tour of the dilapidated and deplorable Federal Roads in Anambra North Senatorial Zone, alongside Senator Dr Tony Nwoye.
Ezekwueme urged President Tinubu to exhibit patriotism and magnanimity by promptly sending his Minister of Works, Engr. Davi Umahi, to assess the dire condition of the road, which has made life unbearable for residents in the area.
Senator Tony Nwoye, visibly moved, recounted that the road was awarded in 1981 during the late President Shehu Shagari administration. Since then, no rehabilitation work or maintenance has been carried out, leading to the total collapse of the road.
Expressing his distress, Senator Nwoye highlighted that the poor state of the road has exacerbated insecurity in the state, citing the loss of one of his security personnel to unknown gunmen at a failed point on the road in February this year.
He emphasized that he has alerted Hon. Minister of Works Engr. David Umahi, FERMA, the Senate Committee on Appropriations, and other relevant authorities for swift actions to address the pressing issue.
Senator Nwoye fervently pleaded for urgent intervention to alleviate the suffering of residents, improve security, facilitate business activities, and provide comfort to the people in the area, considering that the road connects more than four states.
He lauded President Tinubu for directing the Minister of Works to commence repairs on the failed federal Onitsha-Owerri road and for re-awarding a recent contract for the construction of Otuocha-Nzam-Innoma-Iheaka-Abaji roads in Anambra State.
The CLO also reiterated its previous call on the Federal Government to expedite construction on the Onitsha-Awka-Ugwuoba-Enugu and Nnewi-Uga-Okigwe roads, stressing that this would alleviate the excruciating suffering and hardships faced by citizens, visitors, and road users on a daily basis.
Accompanying Senator Nwoye were Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, Chairman of Civil Liberties Organization CLO Anambra State, members representing Onitsha South 1 and 2 in the Anambra State House of Assembly – Barr. Jude Umennajiego, Fred Ezenwa, Justice Azuka Onitsha North 1, Barr. Patrick Okafor Onitsha North 2, FERMA officials, and other dignitaries.
