Gov Ikpeazu asks FG to declare state of emergency on federal roads in Abia
The Abia state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has asked the federal government to declare a state of emergency on federal roads in the state.
The governor made the call when the House of Representatives Committee on Works, led by its Chairman, House Hon. Tobi Okechukwu, paid him a courtesy call, as part of their oversight functions.
Dr. Ikpeazu lamented that “as at today, Aba-Owerri road is the only entry and exit route into Aba, which is the commercial hub of Abia and states around, and even that was made possible because the state continues to intervene on the road.
“Both Port Harcourt and Ikot Ekpene Roads are completely closed to vehicular traffic. This has made it difficult to visit Abia State from Akwa Ibom and Rivers State through Ikot Ekpene, Opobo and Port Harcourt road.
“We want the federal government to declare state of emergency on federal roads in Abia. I therefore urge the members of the House of Representatives to help make a very strong case for federal roads reconstruction in Abia state.”
“Both Port Harcourt and Ikot Ekpene Roads are completely closed to vehicular traffic. This has made it difficult to visit Abia State from Akwa Ibom and Rivers State through Ikot Ekpene, Opobo and Port Harcourt road.
“We want the federal government to declare state of emergency on federal roads in Abia. I therefore urge the members of the House of Representatives to help make a very strong case for federal roads reconstruction in Abia state.”
He said his government has applied to the federal government to allow it reconstruct some of the roads in order to facilitate trade and commerce where Aba has comparative advantage, even when the state has not received reimbursement for previous works done.”
Governor Ikpeazu stated that the state would have been completely cut off from the rest of Nigeria, if not for the intervention of his administration through palliative repair works on federal roads.
Responding, Hon. Okechukwu, said the Committee would ensure the state is reimbursed with the cost of maintaining federal roads in the state.
According to Hon Okechukwu, “we are in Abia state to ascertain the condition of Federal Roads in the State as well as assess performance of contractors handling federal road projects in the South East.
“In due course, the House will take a look at those claims made by Abia state, so as to make sure she is reimbursed for maintaining federal roads in the state”, Okechukwu assured.
“In due course, the House will take a look at those claims made by Abia state, so as to make sure she is reimbursed for maintaining federal roads in the state”, Okechukwu assured.
