The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government to return contractors to complete the abandoned Ogoni section of the East-West road or face protests.
The group accused the government of prioritizing oil exploration over community welfare and demanded that the Federal Government return the construction company to the site or face protests
MOSOP spokesperson, Imeabe Savior Oscar, in a statement, expressed frustration over the government’s neglect of the vital road project despite repeated tragedies, including a recent fire incident that destroyed over 100 vehicles and claimed lives.
Oscar slammed the government for its silence and inaction on the abandoned East-West road project, describing it as “appalling”.
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He alleged that the government has failed to prioritize the completion of the Ogoni axis of the road, despite assurances. Instead, he said the project has been plagued by misunderstandings between the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and the construction firm, RCC, leading to the firm’s withdrawal from the site.
He said MOSOP has given the Federal Government an ultimatum to reinstate RCC and ensure proper project management within one week, failing which they will take to the streets in protest.
“The East-West road deserves immediate attention, not further neglect,” Oscar emphasized, urging the government to take action,” Oscar said.
“It is worrisome that despite substantial revenue generated within the Ogoni ethnic nationality, the stretch of the East-West road in our area has remained in a deplorable state, a nightmare to travelers and a death trap to the Ogoni people.”
“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 government until they come to do the needful.”