By Mercy Aikoye
A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dumnamene Deekor, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Federal Ministry of Works to adhere strictly to the original design of the East-West Road, particularly the sections passing through Ogoniland. Deekor.
He also commended the President for prioritizing the long-abandoned road and fast-tracking its reconstruction.
“The East-West Road is not just any road. It’s a strategic economic corridor that runs through the heart of Ogoniland and links to major hubs like the Ocean Terminal, Free Trade Zone, Notore Fertilizer Company, and hundreds of other businesses,” Deekor said.
He emphasized that the road connects seven local governments in Rivers State and extends to Akwa Ibom and Cross River, making it one of Nigeria’s busiest haulage routes.
Deekor raised concerns that key structural features of the original road design, including three major flyovers, may have been excluded by the Ministry of Works.
“Omitting these structures would lead to severe gridlock and economic losses,” he warned.
He explained that piling had already been completed at critical intersections, such as Onne Trailer Park, Refinery Junction, and Agbajo Junction (Eleme), where flyovers were originally planned.
The lawmaker criticized recent remarks by the Minister of Works dismissing concerns raised by Ogoni stakeholders as “faceless.”
“I’m here with a face, and I speak on behalf of my people.
“You cannot claim a road is completed and then return days later to lay asphalt. The facts speak for themselves,” he said.
Deekor commended President Tinubu for posthumously honouring Ogoni environmental activists, including Ken Saro-Wiwa and Ledum Mitee, during the June 12 Democracy Day celebrations.
