In 2016, I wrote an article titled “A Good Friend is Better Than A Bad Brother,” where I commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his swift remedial work on the dilapidated Calabar-Itu road, just eighteen months into his administration. I aptly described him as a good friend, drawing a contrast with former President Jonathan, whom I labeled a bad brother due to his administration’s lack of meaningful infrastructure development in the state, including the neglect of the same road during his six-year presidency.
The remedial work, undertaken by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at the time which earned President Buhari my commendation, unfortunately, did not yield lasting results. Like many roads in Southern Nigeria, it deteriorated rapidly, becoming worse than its original state within a year or even less. Although the administration subsequently awarded contracts for the road’s total reconstitution and expansion, progress has been slow, giving the impression that the project was neglected.
Contractors had all but abandoned the site and the people who were supposed to put pressure on government to ensure work continues seemd distracted by the high-profile Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project. A senior citizen recently joked during interaction that it appeared the coastal highway has diverted attention and resources away from the Calabar-Itu road. However, this is changing after Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, moved a motion of urgent national importance, urging the Senate to investigate the project’s slow progress. This audacious motion is gradually bringing the much-needed attention back to the road.
Yesterday’s investigative hearing by the Senate’s special committee was truly satisfying to watch. The attention given to the deplorable condition of the major road which connects Nigeria’s paradise city, Calabar, to other southern parts of the country is unprecedented, except perhaps when the Buhari administration initiated remedial work and mobilized contractors to commence reconstruction.
The senate investigation won’t magically fix the road overnight, but it will uncover the reasons behind the project’s delay and pave the way for solutions. Given the caliber of the person leading the federal ministry of works and with the support of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio who hails from Akwa Ibom State, it’s likely that the committee’s recommendations will be swiftly implemented to ensure the project’s speedy completion.
I commend Sen. Ekpenyong for his zeal, enthusiasm and passion for the development of the state. His drive has not only yielded tangible results in attraction of projects and empowerment programmes for Cross RiverSouth, he has been a strong advocate for the people, effectively drawing the federal government’s attention to critical development issues in the state through impactful motions and bills
It’s also worth acknowledging the vital roles played by the state’s other two senators, Sen. Eteng Jones and Sen. Jarigbe Agom. Their collective efforts have ensured that the Senate and indeed the government is giving attention to this road and other deplorable federal roads infrastructure the state. The desire of most Cross Riverians have always been to see our leaders collaborate beyond partisan politics in the interests of the masses and there couldn’t be a better example than what’s happening with this project.
Similarly, the efforts of the Senators is coming on the hills of the news that Governor Bassey Otu has approved N400 million for compensation payments to Cross Riverians affected by the reconstruction process. Contrary to longstanding rumour that a previous administration had rejected a request from neighbouring Akwa Ibom state to reconstruct the road and seek reimbursement from the state, this development shows the Otu administration’s commitment to supporting the project’s successful completion.
As we await the outcome of the Senate’s investigation and the subsequent implementation of the recommended solutions, I fervently pray that the collective efforts of our leaders at all levels will yield a better result this time around. It is my heartfelt desire that the notorious road, which has become death trap, will finally be fixed to unlock the state’s economic potential and bringing relief to commuters.
Also, I prepare this efforts will also extended to the almost impassable Calabar-Ikom-Ogoja road. Undoubtedly, a functional road network will not only boost trade and commerce within and outside the state but also improve the overall quality of life for the people of Cross River State.
Inyali Peter, Ph.D.
Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Inyali Peter, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.
