Dreaded by the deteriorating state of the Uyo-Ikot Abasi Road, natives have called on the federal government to as a matter of urgency, commence immediate rehabilitation of the road to avert complete collapse.
Residents and motorists also decried that the poor state of the road has increased the risk of road crashes, vehicle damages, prolonged journeys and other dangers to commuters.
They urged the state government under the Pastor Umo Eno’s led administration, to intervene, explaining that the road was no longer simply an infrastructure problem but has become a public safety emergency.
In an open letter to government, Mr Ikpaisong John Ayang, appealed to the governor to save lives by urgently intervening on the Uyo-Ikot Abasi Road.
Ayang, on behalf of the organisation/community advocacy of good governance, wrote:
Formal Petition For The Urgent Rehabilitation And Reconstruction Of The Uyo–Ikot Abasi Road
To:
His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
State House, Abuja.
Through:
The Honourable Minister of Works
Federal Ministry of Works
Abuja, Nigeria.
And to:
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer
Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA)
The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy
The National Assembly Members representing the good people of Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, Eastern Obolo Federal Constituency Rt Hon. Uduak Odudoh
The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State HE. Pastor Umo Eno
The Honourable Commissioner for Works, Akwa Ibom State
Petition For Urgent Federal Government Intervention On The Deplorable Condition Of The Uyo–Ikot Abasi Road
Your Excellency, Mr. President,
We respectfully submit this petition to draw the urgent attention of the Federal Government to the worsening condition of the Uyo–Ikot Abasi Road, a critical road corridor in Akwa Ibom State that has suffered prolonged deterioration and now poses a serious threat to the safety and wellbeing of thousands of road users.
The condition of this road has become a matter of grave public concern. What should be a vital transportation and economic corridor has, over the years, deteriorated to the point where motorists and commuters are routinely exposed to dangerous driving conditions.
In several sections, motorists are confronted with severe potholes, damaged portions of the carriageway, poor drainage and other hazards. During periods of heavy rainfall, the situation becomes even more difficult and dangerous.
A MATTER OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Your Excellency, we are particularly concerned that the continued deterioration of this road is no longer simply an infrastructure problem. It has become a public safety emergency.
The poor state of the road increases the risk of road crashes, vehicle damage, prolonged journeys and other dangers to commuters. Commercial transport operators are also forced to spend more on vehicle repairs and maintenance, costs which are ultimately transferred to ordinary citizens through increased transport fares.
The people should not have to choose between making essential journeys and risking their lives on a road that should serve as a safe link between communities.
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
The Uyo–Ikot Abasi corridor is important to the economic and social life of the people of Akwa Ibom State and neighbouring areas.
The road facilitates the movement of workers, students, farmers, traders, business owners, agricultural produce, manufactured goods and essential services.
Its deterioration therefore has consequences beyond transportation. It affects commerce, agriculture, education, healthcare, employment and the general economic wellbeing of communities along the corridor.
A functional road network is essential to the success of the Federal Government’s economic development agenda. Improving this road would therefore represent an investment in both human safety and economic growth.
OUR HONEST DEMANDS AND REQUESTS
In view of the seriousness of the situation, we respectfully petition Your Excellency and the relevant authorities to urgently:
1. Direct an immediate inspection and comprehensive technical assessment of the entire Uyo–Ikot Abasi Road.
2. Approve emergency intervention on the worst sections of the road to make them safe and passable while comprehensive rehabilitation is being arranged.
3. Commence comprehensive rehabilitation or reconstruction of portions of the road that have deteriorated beyond routine maintenance.
4. Address inadequate or damaged drainage infrastructure, which contributes significantly to the deterioration of the road.
5. Ensure that qualified contractors are engaged and that their work is properly supervised to guarantee value for public funds.
6. Establish and make public a clear timeline for the commencement and completion of the rehabilitation works.
7. Ensure regular maintenance of the road after rehabilitation so that the same problem does not recur.
8. Direct the relevant authorities to install appropriate road safety signs, markings and warning measures at dangerous sections pending permanent repairs.
AN APPEAL ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE
Mr. President, this petition is not intended as a political attack. It is an appeal on behalf of ordinary Nigerians who use this road every day.
Behind every vehicle travelling on this road is a human being—a parent, child, worker, student, trader, farmer, entrepreneur or public servant.
Every journey should not become a battle for survival.
We therefore respectfully appeal to Your Excellency to use your good offices to direct the relevant Federal Government agencies to take immediate and decisive action.
We also call upon our representatives in the National Assembly, the Akwa Ibom State Government, FERMA and all other relevant authorities to support this intervention and ensure that the Uyo–Ikot Abasi Road receives the urgent attention it deserves.
CONCLUSION
Your Excellency, we believe that the Federal Government has both the responsibility and the capacity to address this situation.
The people of Akwa Ibom State have waited patiently for a lasting solution. We respectfully ask that this matter be treated as an urgent issue of public safety, economic development and human dignity.
We do not want to wait for another avoidable tragedy before action is taken.
We appeal to Your Excellency: please save lives by urgently intervening on the Uyo–Ikot Abasi Road.
We trust in your administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and believe that your intervention can bring lasting relief to the thousands of Nigerians who depend on this road.
Respectfully submitted
Ikpaisong John Ayang
Organisation/Community advocacy of of good Governance
CC:
– The Honourable Minister of Works, Federal Republic of Nigeria
– The Managing Director/CEO, FERMA
– The Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio National Assembly
– The Speaker, House of Representatives
– The relevant Senate Committee on Works
– The relevant House Committee on Works
– The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State
– The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Works
– National Assembly members representing Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency
– Traditional rulers and community leaders along the Uyo–Ikot Abasi corridor
– Relevant road safety and emergency-response authoritie
s
