•Insists contractors must return to site

Barth Ndubuwah, Port Harcourt

Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has handed down a 7-day ultimatum to the Ahmed Bola Tinubu led Federal Government to immediately order the contractors (RCC) handling the failed section of the East-West Road project back to site,or risk massive protest from Ogoni People.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Publicity of MOSOP,Comrd Oscar Imeabe in Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, “it is worrisome to note that in spite of the substantial revenue generated within the Ogoni ethnic nationality that the stretch of the East-West road in our area has remained in worst state, dilapidated, in fact, a nightmare to travelers. And a death trap to the Ogoni people.

“It suffices to state that the East-West Road, hyped as completed still stands as abandoned project today. This neglect persists despite recent tragedies, including a fatal tanker fire that destroyed over 100 vehicles and several lives,to the extent that the road is now likened to sucking  blood like a vampire. The government’s silence and inaction are appalling,”the statement said.

The statement said they expected that President Bola Tinubu on assumption of office would have prioritized the completion of the Ogoni axis of the East-West Road, but the reality  they said is opposite.

“We are disturbed that the federal government has neglected this vital road for too long. When the President appointed David Umahi as Minister of Works our hopes were raised for progress, yet the road’s condition worsened under this administration without remedy in sight.

“We have gathered in good authority that the Minister and RCC, the construction firm handling the project, are having some misunderstanding and the firm was ordered to demobilise from site. Umahi’s clash with RCC over financial disputes led to firm’s withdrawal from site, leaving the project area deserted,”MOSOP alleged.

Imeabe said people are still suffering on that road. It is on record that two months ago, there was a fire incident on the same road in which over 100 vehicles burnt beyond repair. People also died in that incident. Series of deaths and accidents,he said have been recorded on that road because of its condition.

“The road is now a nightmare to travelers, but all of these could not trigger the FG to fast track the completion of that road. What a pity.

“We thought that the federal government would have paid compensation to families of those who died in the fire incident on that road and those who lost their vehicles because the fire came as a result of their negligence to put the road in good shape for the use of the public. But the government has abandoned their responsibility and remained silent why the people suffer and die.

“As a responsible government, it is expected that the President or any of his representatives would have paid an assessment visit on this section of the East-West Road after that fire incident, but till today the government has not shown concern to the situation. The current federal government has decided to use this section of the East-West Road as a means of diverting fund for their selfish gain. Even the Minister is not out of it,”MOSOP alleged.

The Publicity Secretary pointed out that the federal government is  interested in resuming oil exploration in Ogoniland, but  are not interested in constructing a better road that will be used to assess the oil communities.

“They are not interested in building a good road that the people will use at least to cushion their suffering. Their sudden interest in Ogoniland’s oil exploration contrasts sharply with their neglect of basic infrastructure for its people.

“How can the government prioritize oil exploration over community welfare,”it queried.

MOSOP was categorical that resuming operations without first improving road conditions is unacceptable. The welfare of Ogoni people,it said cannot be overlooked for profit.

“We want the Federal government to do due diligence and return the construction company to site or we shall occupy the East West Road in protest and stop all economic activities of the federal governments interest until they come to the do the needful.

“We are handing the Federal Government one week to promptly reinstate RCC and ensure diligent project management, else we shall hit the road.

It’s time for action. The East-West Road deserves immediate attention, not further neglect, the statement added.