The principal mouthpiece of Ogoni people in Rivers state, KAGOTE, has disagreed with the Minister of Works, Dr. David Umahi, on the completion of some sections of the East-West Road.
Umahi had said that the ministry completed the dualisation of East-West Road Section II, sub section I, from Eleme Junction in Port Harcourt – Ahoada in Rivers State and upgrading of 15km Section of the East-West Road Port Harcourt from Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction.
But the President of KAGOTE, an acronym that represents Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme local government areas, Emmanuel Deeyah said as at the evening of Sunday, 1st June 2025, work on only one side of the dual carriageway was still ongoing.
He said: “The concrete pavement has not covered the entire length of the road. There are four overhead bridges at various stages of piling works. Not one has been completed.
“The Minister of Works misled Mr. President into inaugurating a road still under construction. We hereby condemn this act in totality”.
Deeyah faulted the claims of Umahi, a former Ebonyi Governor and Senator, saying his claims could not be verified.
He said: “All those who ply this road know that it is nowhere near completion. It is sad and unexpected of a man of this standing in society, moreover a public official.
President Tinubu was misled into believing the project had been completed, whereas work on it, is still ongoing. Anyone in doubt can visit the site and you will confirm that the concrete pavement, which is meant to be the uppermost layer, wearing or surface course on the road, is yet to be completed, while the four overhead bridges are at various stages of piling, let alone be completed”.
He described the Eleme Section of the East West Road as a dual carriage way and major arterial infrastructural project of the present administration.
He said the road was designed to serve commuters from Akwa lbom State and about eight local governments areas of Rivers State and to evacuate men and materials from the refineries, the Indorama Petrochemical plant, the Ports and Oil & Gas Free Zone located along the axis.
He said: “Our people believe that the speedy completion of that road will go a long way in assuring our people of the readiness of Government to partner with and develop local infrastructures.
“It has been in the forefront of our demands for better integration. Coming at a critical time when the Ogoni people have overwhelmingly agreed that the Federal Government should commence oil exploration activities in Ogoniland, which has been on hold for more than thirty years.
Deeyah said like other Nigerians, Ogoni people voted massively for Mr. President in the last general election, and were in support of the activities, projects and programmes of his administration.
He said: “We wish to reiterate our sincere appreciation to Mr. President for appointing prominent sons of Ogoni land into various offices of Government, we therefore call on Mr. President to quickly call the Honourable Minister of Works David Umahi to order”.