80 C'River Communities Cut-off By Collapsed Ikom-Boki-Obudu Highway As Eteng, Otu's Aide Engage FG For Intervention

By Judex OKORO

No fewer than 80 communities cutting across five Local Government Areas of Cross River have been cut-off by the collapsed Ikom-Boki-Obudu highway constructed in 1979 and have not been rehabilitated ever since.

This was disclosed by the protesting youths of the council areas during a press briefing at the weekend in Calabar to draw government attention to their plight for decades.

They noted the importance of the highway to the people of Ikom, Etung, Boki, Obanliku and Obudu, and the state government that collects hundreds of millions of naira generated from the road on a monthly basis.

Speakers at the press briefing particularly decried the lack of interest shown by the state government to address the deplorable state of the road in spite of its economy viability.

Dr Assam Etta, said: "The people are compelled to bring to the notice of the world, the deplorable state of the 120km highway, by embarking on a protest that lasted for a week on the highway.

"The road has become a death trap claiming lives, crippling our economy, and perpetuating poverty among the Dwellers. Daily, vehicles break down with perishable farm produced, lives lost due to the appalling condition of this road. 

"Pregnant women give birth on the roadside, the unlucky One's die because they are unable to access medical facilities in time. Our loved ones are maimed or killed in accidents that could have been prevented. 

"The trauma, grief, and economic hardship inflicted on our communities are a direct result of government neglect. For us, the primary responsibility of government is to protect the lives and property of the citizens," he cried.

Etta, also the councillor representing Boki ward on the National Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN), said though a federal road, but the state government should have been more concerned about fixing it because of the revenue generation potential.

According to him, "It's shocking that the highway that is a major economic artery, generating significant revenue for the government. Yet, intentionally abandon same communities that contribute to this revenue to suffer most. 

"The contrast is stark: while the government collects taxes and revenues, our roads crumble, and our people suffer endlessly. 

"For clarification, not less than N670,000 is collected per truck directly into government account through their agent in the state Forestry Commission with approximately more than seventy trucks loaded per week. Same goes for cocoa and other produce."

Similarly, Mr Wilfred Obun explained previous attempts at rehabilitating the highway had not been successful as the contractors always ended up leaving the highway worse off and abandoned after collecting money voted for such purpose.

"We note with dismay that this road has been awarded multiple times, with funds allegedly squandered by contractors, leaving nothing but broken promises. 

"FERMA's low Standard palliative interventions have failed to address the crisis and the state government appears unconcerned about the plagonary situation," he regretted.

On his part, another youth, Mr Armstrong Agbor, said the youths have concluded plan to carryout another action on the highway following its peaceful protest tagged, "no road, no election" that lasted for a week.

Agbor said the protest drew that attention of the state government to the road where they (government) pleaded for two weeks to come up with a workable plan on the collapsed highway.

According to him, "the government, through its representative, Commissioners for Works, and Information, Mr Pius Edet and Dr Erasmus Ekpang respectively, promised to come out with actionable plan on the highway.

"The two week they requested for elapsed yesterday (Saturday), we are waiting to heat from them."

 COMMISSIONER FOR INFORMATION REACTS

Meanwhile, the state government has denied given two weeks to work out something on the highway, and also acknowledged the people frustration on that road.

Speaking, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, Commissioner for information, while acknowledging meeting with the protesting youths, emphasised the state's desire to see the road in good condition.

He explained that the state government had met severally with the Minister of Works on the issue of the Ikom-Boki-Obudu highway.

"I was privy to be part of one of such meetings. The government is not unaware of the deplorable state of that road, and of course, we are working to see if we can partner with FERMA on intervention on that highway.

"Again, intervention on that road needs proper funding and approval from EXCO and as such, we couldn't have given two weeks to work out something, not when EXCO is yet to sit this year," Erasmus explained.

 SEN ETENG'S ENGAGES MIN OF STATE FOR WORKS, CALLS FOR CALM

Concerned about the growing threat to lives, property, and economic activities along the corridor, Senator Eteng Williams had engaged the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo as part of ongoing consultations aimed at ensuring swift government action.

During the engagement, the Minister assured the Senator Williams, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, that engineers from the Federal Ministry of Works would be deployed for an immediate on-the-spot assessment of the road. The assessment will help determine short-term, medium-term, and long-term solutions that will permanently address the deteriorating condition of the road.

Barr. Goronyo, who also oversees the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), commended Senator Williams for his proactive leadership and commitment to the welfare and safety of his constituents.

The Senator called on residents and road users to remain calm, assuring them that concrete steps are being taken to prevent further tragedies and restore safe passage along the route.

He also acknowledged the interim efforts being undertaken by the Cross River State Government, noting that the State’s actions would complement the Federal Government’s planned intervention, which is expected to provide a more comprehensive and lasting solution.

 THE BEAGLE NEWS