By: Felix Ikpotor
The Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP, has threatened to embark on massive action if the Federal Government refuses to prioritize completion of the failed sections of the Ogoni axis of the East -West Road.
Publicity Secretary of MOSOP, Comrade Imeabe Saviour Oscar said in a statement that the Federal Government was only interested in oil resumption in Ogoniland and not restoration of failed infrastructures.
MOSOP also lamented that despite the many deaths recorded on the road including the recent one that claimed over 100 cars and about five lives, the government is still not moved to expedite action on the road.
The group also accused the Minister of Works, David Omahi of ordering the Reynolds Construction Company , RCC, the firm handling the road to demobilise from site over disagreements in contract sum.
The Ogoni apex body is now urging the Federal Government to redirect the company to site or face massive protest in the next one week.
“It is worrisome to mention 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. This neglect persists despite recent tragedies, including a fatal fire that destroyed over 100 vehicles and claimed lives on the road is a testament that the road now suck blood like a vampire.
We expected that President Bola Tinubu on assumption of office would prioritize the completion of the Ogoni axis of the East-West road, but the reality is unambiguously 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 worsens under this administration without remedy in sight,” he said.
The MOSOP spokesperson added: “We have gathered on good authority that the Minister and RCC, the construction firm handling the project, were 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.
“As we speak, people are still suffering on that road. We have recorded series of deaths and accidents 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.
“Now the federal government is keenly interested in resuming oil exploration in Ogoniland, but they are not interested in constructing a better road that will be used to access 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? Resuming operations without first improving road conditions is unacceptable. The welfare of Ogoni people 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,”.
