Barth Ndubuwah, Port Harcourt
The Movement For The Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), led by Prof. Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu, has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) to resume work on the Eleme section of the East-West Road in Rivers State, starting from August 19, 2024.
Failure to comply will result in a complete shutdown of the road, according to the group.
MOSOP, through its Publicity Secretary, Comrd. Imeabe Saviour Oscar, in a statement expressed grave concern over the increasing accidents and fatalities on this segment of the road.
Oscar noted, “It is alarming that despite the significant revenue generated from the Ogoni region, including the Onne Oil & Gas Free Trade Zone, Eleme Petrochemical Company, Eleme Refinery, and other key assets, the Eleme section of the East-West Road remains in a deplorable state and a hazard to travellers. The road has effectively become a death trap for the Ogoni people.
“Recent events underscore this crisis, including a tragic fire accident on the road that destroyed over 100 vehicles and resulted in numerous fatalities, exacerbated by the poor condition of the road. Many other deaths occur daily due to the road’s dilapidation.
“The government’s inaction and silence are deeply troubling. We had hoped President Bola Tinubu would have prioritised the road’s completion, but this has not been the case. As representatives of the Ogoni people, we are outraged by the Federal Government’s prolonged neglect of this crucial road that connects Rivers State to other Southern states.
“We are issuing a 14-day ultimatum from today for the Federal Government to address its arrangements with Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) and resume work. We are no longer interested in the ongoing political delays involving the company and the Federal Ministry of Works. We demand immediate completion of the road, or we will proceed with a total shutdown to halt economic activities in the region.
“On September 3, 2024, we call on all Ogonis to prepare for a massive protest at the Eleme section of the East-West Road. The Federal Government has taken us for granted for far too long, and we can no longer tolerate this. The time for action is now, and we must act decisively,” Imeabe concluded.