Agberen: Benin-Warri Failed Road Needs Urgent Attention, Slams Governors, Senators, HoRs Members Who Ply Route

By Daniel Dafe

Comr.(Amb) Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, National Coordinator, Initiative For Social Rights Concerns And Advancement(ISRCA) AKA “No Justice, No Peace,” has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not to blame for the failed portions of Benin-Warri road.

Agberen, who said this in a Facebook post, added that the blame ought to go to the governors, senators and House of Representatives members who pass the said road to their various constituencies.

According to him, “it is striking that this region is a significant source of Nigerian crude oil, yet it lacks well-maintained and motorable roads.”

“How can a federal road connecting two major oil-producing states be in such a deplorable state, while the Governors of these States are publicly praising the APC Government, ostensibly due to their re-election aspirations in 2027? In all candors, this situation would be unimaginable in Western and Northern Nigeria, as evidenced by the chronic neglect of the Warri/Effurun/Sapele/Benin Expressway over the years.

“However, the Federal Government of Nigeria ought to prioritize the Warri/Effurun/Sapele/Benin road. These roads should not merely be motorable but should be among the best roads under federal jurisdiction, considering that these regions bear the nation’s burden as sources of her nation’s wealth. It shouldn’t just be an option but significant, instead of opting to construct another road that currently leads to nowhere, and even propose to renovate the 3rd mainland bridge at a cost of trillions. The Lagos Coastal road, Lagos Airport, and the Lagos Bridges are not the only infrastructure projects required. Where is Senator Engineer David Nweze Umahi, CON, the Minister of Works? This is the Benin/Warri Express Way connecting the heartbeat (Edo) and big heart (Delta) of Nigeria,” he said.

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He continued: “Edo State Governor, Governor Monday Okpebholo, the self-acclaimed new sheriff in town, please allocate sufficient attention to these roads. Their rehabilitation should not pose a significant challenge. While you focus on addressing cultism and other crimes in your State, consider diverting some attention to infrastructural development, utilizing the funds allocated to the State treasury.

“Governor Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, please provide urgent attention to the Benin/Sapele Expressway. Alternative routes through the Aziza community and the Sapele Amukpe road are deteriorating rapidly and will soon be in a similarly poor state as the expressway. Heavy operational vehicles, tankers, and trucks should be prohibited from traversing these communities as they cause further damage to the roads. Rehabilitating the Benin/Sapele road would not be excessively costly.”