From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The member of the House of Representatives, representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency of Rivers State, Dumnamene Dekor, has implored the Federal Government to stick to the original design of the East-West Road.
Dekor, while speaking with journalists, in Abuja, commended President Bola Tinubu for priotizing the road project and fast tracking ongoing construction of the road.
However, the lawmaker expressed concern that some features of the original design for the road, especially three major flyovers may have been excluded by the Federal Ministry of Works.
Consequently, he implored President Tinubu to direct the Federal Ministry of Works to stick to the original design of the road, especially the sections passing through Ogoniland.
According to him,“The East-West Road is not just any road. It’s a strategic economic corridor that runs through the heart of Ogoniland and links to major hubs like the Ocean Terminal, Free Trade Zone, Notore Fertilizer Company, and hundreds of other businesses.
“It is baffling that a 15km stretch of such strategic importance is being segmented without full adherence to the original design. If the ministry proceeds with these alterations, Mr. President’s well-intended directive will be defeated.”
Also, Dekor commended President Tinubu for the posthumous national honour on the Ogoni 9, including environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, during the June 12 Democracy Day celebration.
Dekor appealed for the recognition of others who died in the Ogoni struggle such as the “Ogoni Four,” to deepen reconciliation and promote lasting peace in the area.
According to him,”if these remaining injustices are addressed, I strongly believe that the era of unrest in Ogoniland will become history.”