Lawmakers seek FG , state govt’s urgent intervention on highway linking Benue, Ogoja Ikom to safe lives

By David Odama

Cross River Lawmakers have called on the State Government through both Federal Ministry of Works and Cross River state government to carry out intervention works on the Ugboro –Abuochiche Garkem federal road linking Benue – Bekwara Local Government Area.

The Lawmakers maintained that the intervention works will greatly ameliorate the sufferings of commuters on that road while urging the Contractor awarded the rehabilitation of the road by the Federal Government, to return to site with a view to resuming work.

They however expressed gratitude to the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) for it’s efforts in rehabilitating the road.

The Lawmakers had deliberated on a Matter of Urgent Public Importance presented by the Member representing Bekwara State Constituency and Minority Whip of the House, Hon Charles Omang Omang.

Omang had informed the House that the Ugboro -Abuochiche – Gakem axis of the Ogoja – Katsina Ala Federal Highway has degenerated to an impassable state causing untold hardships to commuters.

The Legislator added that the situation has resulted in; “clashes between frustrated commuters and villagers thereby threatening the peace of the community.”

According to the Bekwara Lawmaker; “Commuters have resorted to diverting through Ugboro village and this heavy duty traffic has destroyed the already dilapidated internal road through Ugboro primary school.”

Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon Slyvester Agabi, lamented that the deplorable state of the highway has inflicted suffering on travellers including undue delays and stress.

He however expressed confidence that the State Governor with his passion for improving the quality of life for citizens will address the situation.

Other Lawmakers in their separate contributions noted that palliative measures will ease the sufferings of commuters while urging both the federal and State Government to urgently intervene to forestall imminent increase in vices including criminality.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the Assembly Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem commended Members for their commitment to improving the lives of Cross Riverians through people-oriented legislation.