Onyeche Wofurum Igwe
KAGOTE, the apex socio-cultural organization of Ogoni people, has expressed concern over a recent state house press release announcing the commissioning of several projects by President Tinubu.
According to KAGOTE, the press release, signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, listed projects that were not yet completed.
KAGOTE stated that four overhead bridges were at various stages of piling works, with none completed.
The organization believes that the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, misled the President into commissioning a road still under construction.
In a press statement signed by the president of KAGOTE, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Deeyah, the organization condemned the Minister’s action, describing it as deceitful and surprising given his experience as a Governor and Senator.
The organization noted that the road’s incomplete status is evident to all who use it, and that the President was misled into believing the project had been completed.
The projects in question include the dualization of the East-West Road Section II (Sub Section I) from Eleme Junction in Port Harcourt to Ahoada in Rivers State.
However, KAGOTE claims that as of June 1, 2025, work on only one side of the dual carriageway was ongoing, and the concrete pavement had not covered the entire length of the road.
The Eleme Section of the East-West Road is a critical infrastructure project that serves commuters from Akwa Ibom State and several local governments in Rivers State.
It also facilitates the evacuation of men and materials from refineries, petrochemical plants, and ports along the axis.
KAGOTE emphasized the importance of completing the road, particularly at a time when the Ogoni people are calling for the commencement of oil exploration activities in Ogoniland, which has been on hold for over 30 years.
The organization hopes that the Minister is not deliberately pitching Ogoni people against the President.
KAGOTE expressed appreciation for President Tinubu’s appointments of prominent sons of Ogoni land into various offices of government.
However, the organization called on the President to call the Minister of Works to order over his actions.
The organization believes that the Minister’s actions may be an attempt to scale down the scope of the project, which would be strongly resisted by the Ogoni people.
KAGOTE reiterated its support for the President’s administration and its projects and programs and warned that any attempt to compromise the project would be met with resistance.
The press statement reads: “We believe that the Honourable Minister of Works misled Mr. President into commissioning a Road still under construction, we hereby condemn this act in totality.”
“It is surprising that a man who served twice as an elected Governor, also won election to the Senate would be this so deceitful as to lie with a public infrastructure that all eyes can see even the blind can feel.”
“All those who ply this road know that it is no-where near completion. It is sad and unexpected of a man of this standing in society, moreover a Public Official. The President was misled into believing the project had been completed, whereas work on it, is still on-going.”
“Anyone in doubt can visit the site and you will confirm that the concrete pavement, which is meant to be the uppermost layer, wearing or surface course on the road, is yet to be completed, while the four overhead bridges are at various stages of piling, let alone be completed.”
