By Jimitota Onoyume

Citizens rights Concern Enhancement Initiative, has dragged the federal government before a Federal High court in Warri, Delta state over the deplorable condition of the Sapele – Agbor and the East West roads.

The non governmental organisation in suit NO: FHC/WA/CS/6/2024 among others said their action became necessary because of the agonies, pains commuters suffer on the road due to the deplorable state.

The National Coordinator of the Organisation, Comrade Enudi Monday told newsmen that it was one of the basic responsibilities of the federal government to ensure accessible roads and better standard of living for Nigerians , stressing that the government must be held accountable by the people who elected them.

Other members of the group who were in court include the Public relations officer Comrades Harrison Itulua, the Gender Person Ejiroghene Loromeke, Provost 2, Mayoma, Treasure and REX Erire.

Counsel to the group also known as Human Right Protection Congress, Jessa Cynthia sought the court to among others ensure the federal government clarify within thirty days if its alleged abandonment of the roads were unconstitutional, unlawful,violation of the rights of citizens and neglect of its duty of care or not.

The Attorney General of the Federation was represented by a counsel from the Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja while the legal team for the Federal Ministry of Works was absent.

Counsel to the human rights body Cynthia argued before the court that reconstruction and rehabilitation of the federal roads by the federal government were rights of citizens and not privileges.

The matter was later adjourned to 5th of February 2025 for hearing of the originating summons and all pending application since the legal team for the Ministry of Works was absent.