Obaseki's Explanation: The Challenges of Addressing Federal Road Repairs in Edo State

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In a candid and heartfelt disclosure to journalists, the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, revealed the unfortunate predicament the state government is facing in fixing vital federal roads within the state. During the monthly Security Council meeting held at the Government House in the bustling city of Benin, the state capital, Governor Obaseki expressed his concerns about the deteriorating condition of key federal road networks in Edo State, which serve as crucial links connecting various parts of the country.

Edo State, being a significant transportation hub, heavily relies on these federal roads for the smooth movement of goods, people, and services. However, the sorry state of disrepair of these roads has become a major cause for worry for the state government. Governor Obaseki acknowledged that despite their best efforts, the Edo State administration has been unable to secure the necessary resources to fix these roads, as the federal government has already awarded contracts for their repair to other parties.

 

The governor specifically cited the Benin-Auchi, Benin-Sapele, and Benin-Lagos roads, including the vital Ovia River Bridge, as major areas of concern. He lamented the tragic incident that occurred on the Ovia River Bridge three weeks prior, which led to the loss of several lives in multiple accidents. Shockingly, no action has been taken by the federal government to address this critical issue, leaving the state government and its citizens feeling neglected and uncared for.

The Benin-
Lagos road, particularly the Ovia River crossing, was another area of significant distress. The high number of fatalities on this route has prompted the Edo State administration to relentlessly implore the federal government and the Federal Ministry of Works for collaboration in implementing palliative measures to prevent further loss of lives.

Sapele Road, after experiencing heavy rainfall, was rendered impassable, highlighting the severity of the neglect faced by this region. Governor Obaseki expressed his dismay at the situation, emphasizing that a region contributing immensely to the country's oil resources should not be subjected to such disregard and abandonment.

The governor revealed that efforts to draw the federal government's attention to these issues have been met with disappointment. When attempting to provide palliative work on the Auchi-Ibillo road, which had become critically damaged, they were informed that it was already under contract. This hindered their ability to address the situation promptly and effectively.

Recalling a distressing incident from the previous year, Governor Obaseki mentioned how the Benin-Auchi road had been blocked for nearly two weeks, disrupting the supply of essential commodities such as food, animals, and petroleum products to their destinations. He urged the federal government to intervene and prevent such dire situations from recurring.

Governor Obaseki expressed his bewilderment at the confusing policies of the federal government concerning these roads. Previously, states were allowed to rehabilitate federal roads and submit the bills to the federal government for reimbursement. However, this practice is no longer viable, and the promise of states being able to take over the repair of federal roads has not materialized.

Despite their plea for assistance, the Edo State administration has not witnessed any instances where federal roads were handed over to states for repair. In the spirit of cooperation and development, the governor clarified that their intent was not to criticize but to appeal for much-needed help.

In conclusion, Governor Obaseki's candid revelation shed light on the dire state of federal roads in Edo State and the frustrations faced by the state government in addressing these critical issues. With impassioned appeals for assistance falling on deaf ears, the people of Edo State continue to grapple with the hazardous and challenging conditions posed by these dilapidated roadways.

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