Imo West senatorial candidate of the Action Peoples Party, Hon. Rufus Omeire, has joined Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the construction of the 150-kilometre Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Akokwa–Arondizuogu–Okigwe Road.
Omeire conveyed his commendation in a statement made available to Premium News on Friday.
The road, which suffered years of abandonment, cuts across Anambra and Imo states.
Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato Federal Constituency, had on Thursday praised President Tinubu and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for approving the procurement and design of the project.
He explained that he was aligning with Ugochinyere to thank the President for listening to the people and taking action on the long-abandoned road.
According to him, for many years the federal road project was abandoned by successive administrations, but Tinubu has come to the rescue.
He urged the president to ensure the road project is completed for the benefit of the Southeast people.
He emphasised the need for President Tinubu should declare a state of emergency on gully erosion in the Southeast, particularly in the Orlu Senatorial Zone and Ideato Federal Constituency.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the construction of the 150-kilometre Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Akokwa–Arondizuogu–Okigwe Road.
He also commended Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere for what he described as consistent advocacy in the House of Representatives, which helped bring the attention of the National Assembly and the presidency to the urgent need for the project.
He noted that the road had suffered neglect for many years under successive administrations. “For many years, this important federal road was neglected by successive administrations. However, I am encouraged that it has now been properly awarded and that construction is expected to commence,” he said.
He recalled that during his tenure in the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2011, efforts were made to have the road included in the federal budget. It was later awarded to Bulletine Construction Company, which mobilized to site but abandoned the project for reasons that remain unclear.
According to him, the poor state of the road has caused hardship for residents and road users over the years. “Since then, the road has subjected our people to untold hardship.
It deteriorated into a death trap and became notorious as a haven for armed robbery and other criminal activities, causing pain and economic losses to commuters, farmers, traders, and transporters.
“The successful completion of this road will bring enormous relief to the people of the South-East, particularly those in Orlu Senatorial Zone and Ideato Federal Constituency. It will also enhance the movement of agricultural produce, stimulate commerce, improve regional connectivity, and benefit transporters and road users across Nigeria.
“While expressing my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. President, I respectfully appeal to him to ensure that this project is completed so our people can finally enjoy the benefits of this long-awaited infrastructure.
“I also urge President Tinubu to declare a State of Emergency on gully Erosion in the South-East, particularly in Orlu Senatorial Zone and Ideato Federal Constituency. The devastating erosion ravaging our communities continues to destroy roads, homes, farmlands, and public infrastructure, posing a serious threat to lives, livelihoods, and sustainable development. Urgent federal intervention is necessary to address this environmental disaster.
“I look forward to seeing the road completed for the benefit of our people and the nation at large,” he stated.
