By Chuks Ehirim
Assistant Editor, North
All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, wants Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Usani Uguru, to prioritise the completion of the East-West Road to help open up the Deep South for economic growth beyond oil.
Odigie-Oyegun made the plea when Uguru visited him at the APC national secretariat in Abuja.
He lamented that despite huge funds voted for the road by successive administrations since 2006, the 338-kilometre dual carriage way, which traverses Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Delta remains uncompleted.
“You have one of the most challenging and strategic assignment as minister of Niger Delta Affairs. The Niger Delta is an area that had been steeped in unrest. You must ensure that the unrest does not arise again,” he told Uguru.
“You have the East-West Road which is a major challenge. It will be a significant achievement for this administration if the project is completed.
“The project will go a long way in assuring the region that this government is working in their interest.”
The contract for the construction of the road was first awarded in 2006. The road was initially divided into four sections, but in late 2014, a fifth section was added covering Oron to Calabar in Cross River.
Odigie-Oyegun disclosed that the APC plans a three-day policy dialogue in March to gather party leaders, government, and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and proffer solutions to the economy and other national challenges.
Uguru said the ministry is poised to contribute to the achievement of the party’s change agenda and bring development to the Niger Delta.
He promised to give priority to the completion of the East-West Road.