posted November 2, 2023
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has demonstrated again, non-partisan leadership, by taking action to address the poor state of the Benin-Agbor Road and other failed federal government roads in Edo State. The palliative work on the failed portions of the Federal Government Benin-Agbor Road is a welcome initiative to alleviate the difficulties faced by motorists and road users.
Governor Obaseki’s decision to direct the reconstruction of the old Benin-Agbor Road demonstrates his commitment to improving the infrastructure in the state and responding to the concerns of residents and commuters. It’s crucial for state governments to step in when federal government roads are in disrepair, as transportation infrastructure is vital for economic and social development.
The involvement of the Commissioner of Roads and Bridges, Engr. Ethan Uzamare, and the mobilization of contractors to the site indicate a proactive approach to getting the road reconstruction project underway.
The positive response from the residents and commuters, who expressed their gratitude and relief, highlights the significance of such infrastructure improvements in enhancing the quality of life for the people in the region. Infrastructure development is a critical aspect of governance, and it’s heartening to see the governor’s commitment to addressing this issue.
He said, “I know that you people have been suffering for more than three months now. Your markets have gone down and you cannot even get to your homes. I want to thank the youths for what you have been doing, and for maintaining order. Despite the suffering, you people have been peaceful. I want to thank you. The situation you have here today is beyond the state Government. This is a palliative work we are doing, it is remedial action and we have to go and look for money to do it so that we can ease the suffering.
“This road as you know is not our road. It’s a Federal Road and the Federal Government has sold this road to somebody. They said they did a concession many years ago, about three years ago. So, they will not allow us to touch it. This one we are doing is by force because they know they cannot stop you and us but they are not going to refund us one kobo and we are not even going to worry asking them to refund us.”
Obaseki added, “The permanent solution is, because this road is not our own and the Federal Government has refused to fix this road, we will now go and construct the old road which is ours.
“So, we will start the reconstruction of the old road this dry season and as usual we will put up barricades. No trailer or truck will follow the road. If the federal government likes, let them not do this road. The minister is from the South East and this is the main road to the South East. So, if he doesn’t want his people to go for Christmas, he is on his own. We will look for a way to get to our homes.
“Please continue to be law-abiding; we will work for you, don’t worry. With what is going on in Abuja, they don’t care about us but we will care for you. Please continue to be peaceful. We will do all we can to make sure this road is opened in the next two weeks,” he noted.
On the governor’s entourage were members of the State Executive Council alongside other government functionaries. Present at the site was the leader of the Ikpoba/Okha Community, Ohen Iyeware Asenogwan Eghareva, with some of the youth leaders, market women, and residents.