National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ambassador Godknows Igali has called on the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently reverse the neglect of the Itu-Calabar Road connecting Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
Speaking to newsmen on arrival at the UJ Usuene Airport, Calabar for the funeral of the Second Republic Senate President after spending 4 hours on the 72-km road, he decried the situation of the road under succeeding administrations as a “criminal neglect”.
The leader of the apex South-South’s socio-political body stated that the road is presently one of the worst in Nigeria.
He described it as “a road where very little work is being done and as such, has become a death trap in which helpless Nigerian commuters struggle their way along with thousands of heavy-duty trucks on the route.”
“On a day when Nigerians have gathered in Calabar to pay last respect to the Second Republic Senate President and leader of the National Assembly, PANDEF appeals to Mr. President to prioritize the completion of the Itu-Calabar road by funding competent contractors as a fitting tribute to the memory of Senator Wayas”, he said.
Speaking further, the PANDEF boss described Senator Wayas as a Nigerian patriot of a special class and appealed that his immediate area; i.e. Akwa Ibom and Cross River states must not be allowed to continue to suffer.
He thanked Tinubu, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Governor of Cross River state, Senator Prince Bassey Otu for taking steps to accord the late Senator Wayas a befitting interment.