The Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers of Ogoni has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the directive to the Minister of Works, Mike Onolomeme to commence the immediate reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Onne Junction road to Port Harcourt and the Onne Junction Road to Akwa Ibom.
In the commendation letter signed by Gbenemene of Tai Kingdom, King GNK Gininwa who is also the President Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers of Ogoni and Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, he said that the singular action of President Jonathan had succeeded in reducing the suffering of Nigerians and companies in the area.
According to a copy of the letter obtained by THISDAY, the Gbenemene of Tai Kingdom said, “For and on behalf of the traditional rulers, people and opinion leaders of Andoni, Eleme, Gokana, Khana, Ogu/Bolo, Opobo/Nkoro, Okrika and Tai Local Government Areas of Rivers State representing ourselves and our different peoples and being direct beneficiaries of the above named section of the East West road, do hereby thank Your Excellency for the directive given to the Minister of Works for the immediate rehabilitation of this segment of the East West Road to ease the sufferings of the people and companies that ply the road.”
The Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers listed the companies that are the immediate beneficiary of the Onne Junction to Port Harcourt road to include, Indorama Eleme Petro Chemical Company, Intel Logistics Company, Port Harcourt Refineries, Dangote Cement Company, Federal Lighter Ocean Terminal Ports among others.
He also commended the developmental strides of President Jonathan and prayed that God would give him courage and wisdom to face the challenges in the country, especially, the security issues.
Delegates at the National Conference had before they adjourned on July 13, complained about the state of the roads, as the East West Road was still under construction and that the rainy season was not helping vehicular movement in and within the main cities of the Niger Delta.
THISDAY was informed that President Jonathan directed the Minister of Works to commence immediate rehabilitation of the two Trunk A Roads.
The Onne Junction to Akwa Ibom is a 99 kilometer road network. The road design, it was gathered was not aimed at carrying heavy vehicular movement, hence the heavy traffic jam. The rehabilitation contract was awarded to RCC Nigeria Ltd. Upon completion, the Onne Junction to Akwa Ibom would be a three carriage road.
In the same vein, the President directed that the Onne Junction to Port Harcourt road network should commence an immediate rehabilitation. The road that has become a subject of campaigns by the opposition political parties was abandoned by Julius Berger Construction Company due to incessant kidnap of its workers last year and this has affected vehicular movement due to constant traffic jams.
According to a Presidency source that spoke to THISDAY on the Presidential orders on the roads, said, “This is an indication that the President would not play with the recommendations of the national conference, especially as it relates to administration issues.
“As we talk, RCC is gradually mobilising to the site for the roads rehabilitation”, explaining that the roads upon completion would aid the free movement of vehicles, as the month of December is fast approaching.
Source: ThisDay
