Obi also argued that the nation’s resources should be channelled to building internal roads, not superhighway
By Kehinde Okeowo
Labour Party (LP) 2023 Presidential candidate, Peter Obi has lamented the recent demise of 35 persons from accidents in Kogi and Enugu states, blaming it on bad roads and insecurity.
His comments came via a series of posts on his official X handle on Wednesday, after an accident in Kogi on Sunday claimed the lives of 19 persons, and another one on Tuesday led to the death of 16 persons in Enugu.
Speaking on the two incidents, Obi argued the nation’s resources should be channelled to build internal roads, not the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway.
He went on to commiserate with the families of the deceased and the injured and prayed that God will give them the strength to bear the huge loss.
He also sent his condolences to the governments and the people of Kogi and Enugu states.
ALSO READ: Umahi accuses Obi of inciting Igbo against FG over coastal highway
Taking to his verified social media page, Obi tweeted: “I have just confirmed two very gory road accidents in Kogi and Enugu states, respectively, that claimed the lives of 35 persons.
“The Kogi incident happened on Sunday along Okene/Lokoja bye, where 19 persons were roasted alive, while the other occurred along Nsukka/Enugu Road in Enugu state on Tuesday, claiming the lives of sixteen persons.
“The Enugu State Police Command and Kogi State Federal Road Service Corps, FRSC, have confirmed the two accidents.
“Even though the cause of the accidents is yet unknown, it must not be unconnected with the bad conditions of roads and insecurities.
“This is why I continue to shout out that our meagre resources should be channelled at priority areas to fix our internal roads to make them passable before going for super highway projects, which will take the chunk of the resources meant for these essential areas.
“My heart goes to the families of the deceased and the injured as I pray to God to give them the strength to bear the huge loss. My condolences also go to the governments and the people of Kogi and Enugu states.”
TheNiche had earlier reported that Obi kicked against the decision of the federal government to proceed with the construction of the 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway, despite huge public outcry.
However, responding to his criticism, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, accused the former Anambra State governor of inciting Igbos against the Tinubu administration..
