Senator Ngwu Leads 15 Lawmakers to Minister of Works: Calls for Immediate Completion of Ugwuoyeama Section of Enugu-Onitsha Expressway

….. As Death Toll Rises to Over 95

The Minority Whip and Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial Zone, Engr. Osita Ngwu, on Wednesday led 15 Federal lawmakers from Enugu and Anambra States to meet with the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, and the contractor handling the Enugu-Onitsha expressway over what they described as the dangerous delay of the project, which has caused series of accidents, resulting in many lost lives.

In a meeting held at the Federal Ministry of Works Abuja, that lasted for hours, the lawmakers made it clear that the entire South East was worried about the poor funding of many projects in the region, especially the Enugu-Onitsha road.

Speaking on their behalf, Senator Ngwu stated the reasons behind their emergency visit as well as why a state of emergency should be declared on that particular section of the road.

According to him, “We are here to discuss three things. One, we want to emphasize the need to complete all the ongoing road projects in the South East, especially the Enugu–Onitsha dual carriageway, which is being funded by MTN through the tax credit scheme. Two, we are here to also emphasize the need to pay urgent attention to the Ugwuoyeama section of the road, where many have lost their lives. Three, to find out the challenges in funding the projects.”

Senator Ngwu further explained that the lawmakers were willing to do whatever it would take to have the road completed immediately, adding that the road has turned into a death trap for commuters.

The 15 Lawmakers from Enugu and Anambra state who joined the team that visited the minister, including Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), Senator Kelvin Chukwu (Enugu East), Senator Okey Ezea (Enugu North), and Senator Tony Nwoye (Anambra North). Others included Hon. Owuegbu Anayo (Aninri/Awgu/Oji River), Hon. Nnamchi Paul Sunday (Enugu East/Isi-Uzo), Hon. Atu Chimaobi Sam (Represented) (Enugu North/Enugu South), Hon. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha (Ezeagu/Udi), Hon. Agbo Denis Nnamdi (Igbo-Eze North/Udenu), Hon. Nnaji Nnolim John (Nkanu East/Nkanu West), Hon. Obetta Mark Chidi (Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South), Hon. Gwacham Maureen Chinwe (Oyi/Ayamelum), Hon. Nnabuife Chinwe Clara (Orumba North/Orumba South), Hon. Agbodike Paschal A. (Ihiala), Hon. Okafor Dominic Ifeanyi (Aguata), and Hon. Prof. Orogbu Obiageli Lilian (Awka North and South).

Responding to the lawmakers’ request, the Minister explained that his Ministry and the Federal Government were willing to force MTN to complete the roads immediately or have the contract terminated.

He stated that the project is being funded by MTN under the tax credit scheme, but the Federal Government was tired of the games MTN was playing with the contract.

He also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to terminating the agreement with MTN should they continue to delay the road construction, as lives and properties are being lost frequently.

“This meeting is about finding solutions. If MTN is willing to play games, we are not going to play games with people’s lives and properties. People are dying, and I am willing to have this contract terminated if your company (MTN) is not ready. This joke must stop here and now. I will send a letter of irrevocable commitment to you (MTN) tomorrow and extract a timeline on when this project must be completed. If that doesn’t happen, we shall end this contract and award it to another contractor immediately.”

Also speaking at the meeting, Senator Victor Umeh pleaded with the Minister to pay attention to the plight of the South East. He argued that the South East is part of Nigeria and should be treated fairly.

Senator Umeh further urged the Minister to look into other road projects in the zone and the Eastern rail line.

Interacting with journalists after the meeting, Hon. Anayo B. Owuegbu and Hon. Sunday Paul Nnamchi raised concerns over the implications of the continued delay in completing the project. The duo insisted that MTN must complete the project within record time or have the contract terminated, adding that they would do everything within their power to ensure that the right thing is done.