FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ASSURES ON THE COMPLETION OF ELEME AXIS OF EAST WEST ROAD
DR. OGBUKU AND MOMOH AT OKRIKA BRIDGE
BY GABRIEL OKRCHUKWU, FRCN PORT HARCOURT
Minister of Niger Delta Development, Mr. Abubakar Momoh says all efforts would be geared towards the construction of Akpajo-Onne axis of East West Road.
Mr. Momoh who made this known at NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt Rivers State after inspection of the road and Okrika-Borokiri bridge, noted that there was need to take back the East West Road from the Ministry of works to facilitate the completion of the road.
The Minister who also paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, Monarch of Okochiri, King Ateke Tom, and Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, Sergeant Awuse appealed to the people of Niger Delta region to exercise patience as government intensifies efforts to repair the road.
He emphasized the importance of peace in the region to enhance oil production.
Addressing the Minister, Chairman Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, Sergent Awuse expressed regret that East West Road has remained a death trap for years.
He noted that efforts have been made to call the attention of government to solve the problem of the road but there has not been any positive response.
According to him, criminals take advantage of bad spots to perpetrate their actions.
The monarch maintained that Rivers State was very important to the nation because of its contributions to the economy.
Sergeant Awuse pledged the commitment of traditional institution to laise with state government and support NDDC to actualize the vision of developing Niger Delta region.
The Minister who also addressed staff of NDDC Staff told them that the present administration was concerned about the development of Niger Delta region.
He stressed the need to ensure that projects carried out by the commission be of good standard to guarantee durability.
On his part, the Managing Director Niger Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku who solicited the support of the minister to move the agency forward, gave assurance that the staff would support the minister to succeed.
The Managing Director revealed that the commission would leverage on partnership model to bring to fruition regional projects across Niger Delta.
Dr. Ogbuku appreciated the President for his reappointment and promised to deliver on the mandate.