REPS MEMBER URGES PRESIDENT TINUBU TO ENFORCE ORIGINAL EAST WEST ROAD DESIGN IN OGONI LAND 17-06-25
By Sadiq Aminu A member of the House of Representatives, representing Khana, Gokana Federal Constituency, Rivers State, Mr. Dumnamene Dekor has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Federal Ministry of Works to adhere strictly to the original design of the East-West Road, especially the sections passing through Ogoniland.
Mr. Dekor made the appeal while addressing journalists at the National Assembly Complex Abuja commended President Tinubu for giving the long-abandoned road attention and for fast-tracking its ongoing reconstruction.
Mr. Dekor, however raised concerns that key structural features of the original road design particularly three major flyovers may have been excluded by the Ministry of Works, a development he fears could worsen traffic congestion and defeat the purpose of the project.
“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,”
He emphasized that the road, which connects seven local governments in Rivers State and extends to Akwa Ibom and Cross River, remains one of the Nigeria’s busiest haulage routes after the Apapa axis in Lagos.
The Rivers State lawmaker explained that piling had already been completed at critical intersections such as Onne Trailer Park, Refinery Junction, and Agbajo Junction where flyovers were originally planned.
According to Mr. Dekor omitting these structures, would lead to severe gridlock and economic losses.
“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,” he said.
He also criticized recent remarks by the Minister of Works dismissing concerns raised by Ogoni stakeholders as faceless.
“I’m here with a face, and I speak on behalf of my people,” he asserted. “You cannot claim a road is completed and then return days later to lay asphalt. The facts speak for themselves.”
In addition to infrastructure concerns, the lawmaker commended President Tinubu for posthumously honouring Ogoni environmental activists, including Ken Saro-Wiwa and Ledum Mitee, during the June 12 Democracy Day celebrations.
He further hailed the President for signing the bill establishing the Federal University of Environment, describing it as a “catalyst for development in Ogoni and the Niger Delta.