Chief Edwin Clark, Ijaw National leader and convener of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the completion of abandoned roads and rail projects leading to the Niger Delta region.
In a letter to Tinubu on Wednesday, Clark commended the president for initiating the Lagos-Calabar coastal road construction but emphasized the importance of addressing other neglected infrastructure projects.
Clark urged President Tinubu to ensure the completion of the Lagos-Calabar railway project and the extension of the Warri-Itakpe-Lokoja rail to Abuja. He highlighted the dire state of the east-west road, Calabar-Itu road, Benin-Sapele-Warri road, and the Bodi-Bonny project, urging their swift completion.
Expressing gratitude for the recent coastal road award, Clark reminded President Tinubu about the abandoned coastal railway in the same axis, emphasizing the need for its revival.
Addressing Tinubu directly, Clark emphasized the significance of these projects for the security and welfare of Niger Delta residents, stressing their crucial role in supporting the nation’s economy.
Clark appealed to Tinubu to prioritize the extension of the Ujevwu Railway line to Abuja, citing its importance to the communities it serves in Delta, Edo, and Kogi States.
Highlighting the importance of equity and fairness, Clark stressed that the Niger Delta, as the nation’s economic hub, deserves quality infrastructure.
In conclusion, he urged President Tinubu to use his authority to complete these priority projects, leaving a lasting legacy for the benefit of the Niger Delta region and the nation as a whole.
In his words; “I congratulate you (President Bola Tinubu), your minister of works and former governor of Ebonyi state, His Excellency, David Umahi, for the recent award of the coastal road which will stretch from Lagos state down to Calabar, Cross River State.
In his words, “Like Oliver Twist, the Niger Delta people are seriously requesting Mr. President to give priority to the very important project which will no doubt cater for the security and welfare of our people having regards to the role of the the region in supporting the economy of the entire country.
“I, however, want to remind Your Excellency that this new coastal road from Lagos to Calabar, as welcome as it is, raises issues as to why the related coastal railway running through the same axis has been abandoned.
“The Ujevwu Railway line, Warri which runs through many towns and villages in Delta, Edo, and Kogi States, Your Excellency, we are pleading with you to choose this extension of this rail line to Abuja as a matter of urgency and the people will be very grateful to you.
“I want to urge you Mr. President, for you to use your authority and stamp your name in gold by completing these priority roads and make it a thing of the past,” Clark stated.
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