…Ikom/ Etomi – Agbokim road gave me sleepness nights for years …Sen Owan Enoh

By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR

President Bola Tinubu has flagged off 23 kilometres Ikom Etomi-Agbokim Waterfalls Road in Cross River State spaning Ikom and Etung Local Government Areas of the state.

During the flag -off ceremony, which took place at Border road junction, Ikom Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Dr. Ajunwa Daniel, urged the two contractors handling the road projects, (Faith Plant Services and Rhema Vision) to execute the road project according to proper specifications at stated in the Bill of Quantities.

Ajunwa who spoke in company of Minister of state for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, charged the stakeholders of the three benefitting communities of Ikom, Etomi and Agbokim to see and own the project, urging them to protect equipment from vandalization by hoodlums and give the contractors maximum support throughout the execution of the project.

He said that construction of the road project which was conceptualized in 2012, became neccesary as it would aid easy transportation of agricultural produce especiallly cocoa from the hinterlands to the urban centre where there is good market, that will prepare the produce for export.

He said: “There is nothing like matching ground, there won’t be anything like see me first. If the contractors come to my office to report that the traditional rulers or youths are seeking for money, we will terminate the road project and give it out to other communities who had being looking for this kind of project and understand the value of what we are giving.

“Youths should secure the equipment, if you have food, please cook and give to the contractors so that they can finish the project on time.

“Traditional rulers and community youths have important roles to play In this regard.

Community residents who wish to reach out to the contractor and government should engage the Community Liaison officers (CLO).

“We must have this road within 2 years at most , if the contractors finishes on time, I will sign thier payment. I will take it to the Executive Director in Port-Hacourt.

On his part, Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan-Enoh, while commending the Tinubu’s administration said his leadership has favored Cross River in no small way adding that ithas brought so many blessings to the state.

Tinubu’s leadership has shown us favour, the president has negotiated and began Lagos-Calabar Coastal high way. President Tinubu is associated with big dreams.”I thank NDDC for making a difference.

While describing the 23 kilometres road project as “Redemption Project, onoh said Public service makes no meaning to me without the people.

“Sometimes it looks as if there is a jinx about this road The thoight of this road gave me sleepness nights for many years .

“I cannot compromise the interest of my people for any reason whatsoever,This is also the reason I go extra mile to satisfy my people.

Also speaking, one of the community leaders , Grabiel Oji lauded the Federal government for its magnanimity to the people of Ikom and Etung local governments and re-awarding the project again.