Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo state, has asked the federal government to intervene and fix the deplorable federal roads in the state.
Speaking during a state-wide broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 62nd independence anniversary on Saturday, the governor said the federal government is treating the state as if it is not a part of the country.
“I empathise with Edo people over the impassable state of Federal Roads that crisscross our state,” he said.
“For commuters going through the Benin-Sapele Road, Benin-Agbor-Asaba Road, Lagos-Benin Road and the Benin-Auchi Road, I know the horrible and frustrating experiences you have been enduring.
“The Benin-Auchi Road, which is the back-bone and main artery connecting all our senatorial zones and which connects Edo State and other southern states to the Northern part of the country, is the most appalling.
“It is regrettable that despite all entreaties, the Federal Ministry of Works has continued to treat us as if we are not part of Nigeria.
“We have at several times embarked on palliative work on the failed portions of these roads but it is clear that what is needed is reconstruction work, which rests on the federal government who own these roads.
“We therefore appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to make the reconstruction and rehabilitation of these roads a priority for the remaining months of his tenure in office.”
The governor asked citizens to be hopeful and remember that bad times do not last forever, and added that if everyone plays their part, Nigeria will overcome its present challenges.
